Language/Kirghiz/Vocabulary/Asking-for-Directions

Kirghiz → Vocabulary → 0 to A1 Course → Travel and Transportation → Asking for Directions

When traveling in Kyrgyzstan or any other country where Kirghiz is spoken, it's essential to know how to ask for directions. In this lesson, we'll learn some useful phrases for asking for and giving directions in Kirghiz, as well as words for common landmarks and locations. We'll also talk a bit about the Kyrgyz culture and how it relates to travel and transportation. Keep in mind that this lesson is part of our "Complete 0 to A1 Kirghiz Course" so we'll stick to the beginner level here.

Take a moment to explore these relevant pages as you conclude this lesson: Geography & Family Members.

Introduction to Asking for Directions in Kirghiz

When asking for directions in Kirghiz, always remember to be polite and respectful. The Kyrgyz people are known for their hospitality, so they will most likely be happy to help you find your way. Showing appreciation and saying thank you are also important. Now, let's learn some useful phrases for asking for directions.

Phrases for Asking for Directions

To ask for directions in Kirghiz, you can use the following phrases:

Kirghiz	Pronunciation	English
Эмне сурап жатасын?	Emne surap jatasyn?	What are you looking for?
... кайда?	... kayda?	Where is...?
... кайдан өтөт?	... kaydan ötöt?	Which way to...?
Менин ыраамда жол корсотуп аласызбы?	Menin yraamda jol korsotup alasyzby?	Can you show me the way on my map?
Муну кайда сатып алам?	Munu kayda satyp alam?	Where can I buy this?

Use these phrases to ask for the location of various places:

Kirghiz	Pronunciation	English
Автовокзал кайда?	Avtovokzal kayda?	Where is the bus station?
Железнодорожный вокзал кайда?	Jeleznodorozhnyj vokzal kayda?	Where is the train station?
Аэропорту кайда?	Aerportu kayda?	Where is the airport?
Отели кайда?	Oteli kayda?	Where is the hotel?
Ресторандар кайда?	Restorandar kayda?	Where are the restaurants?

Now let's learn some words for common landmarks and locations to make it easier for you to ask for directions.

Common Landmarks and Locations

Here are some common landmarks and locations that you might need to ask for directions to:

Kirghiz	Pronunciation	English
Банк	Bank	Bank
Гараж	Garazh	Garage
Дүкөн	Dükön	Store
Өрөө	Öröö	Room
Почта	Pochta	Post office
Стадион	Stadion	Stadium
Театр	Teatr	Theater
Университет	Universitet	University

With these words and phrases in your vocabulary, you should now be well-equipped to ask for directions in Kirghiz.

Giving Directions in Kirghiz

When giving directions in Kirghiz, it's essential to be clear and concise. People in Central Asia often use landmarks and points of interest to explain directions. Moreover, cardinal points (north, south, east, west) are not commonly used in everyday language to describe directions.

Here are some phrases that can be useful when giving directions in Kirghiz:

Kirghiz	Pronunciation	English
Бул жерден солго	Bul jerden solgo	Turn left here
Бул жерден оңго	Bul jerden oŋgo	Turn right here
Тура жолду менен	Tura joldu menen	Straight ahead
Биринчи буронго	Birinchi burongo	At the first crossroad
Актегичке эки кенен	Aktegichke eki kenen	After the second curve

Remember that it's always important to be patient and polite when giving directions to someone who doesn't speak the language fluently. You may need to use simple words or gestures to communicate effectively.

Cultural Notes and Travel Tips

Kyrgyzstan is a beautiful country with many cultural and natural attractions to discover. The traditional nomadic lifestyle is still present in rural areas, and it's possible to find yurt camps where you can experience this unique way of living. When visiting local places, it's essential to respect the local customs and traditions, and knowing some phrases in Kirghiz will undoubtedly help you in this regard.

Here are a few travel tips for your journey to Kyrgyzstan:

• Try the local cuisine, which is based on meat, dairy products, and bread. Favorites include beshbarmak, a meat and noodle dish, and manti, steamed dumplings filled with meat or vegetables.
• Bargaining is common in markets, so don't be afraid to haggle to get a fair price.
• When staying in a host family or a local guesthouse, it's customary to take off your shoes before entering the house.
• Dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites or attending local events.

We hope this lesson has helped you to learn useful vocabulary and phrases for asking for and giving directions in Kirghiz, as well as provided some cultural information and travel tips. Good luck on your journey and enjoy your time in Kyrgyzstan!

Table of Contents - Kirghiz Course - 0 to A1

• Course Presentation

  ---

Greetings and Introductions

• Basic Greetings
• Introducing Yourself

  ---

Basic Sentence Structure

• Subject-Object-Verb Order
• Negation

  ---

Numbers and Time

• Cardinal Numbers
• Ordinal Numbers
• Telling Time

  ---

Nouns and Pronouns

• Noun Cases
• Personal Pronouns
• Possessive Pronouns

  ---

Family and Relationships

• Family Members
• Relationship Status

  ---

Verbs and Tenses

• Present Tense
• Past Tense
• Future Tense

  ---

Food and Dining

• Meals and Ingredients
• Ordering at a Restaurant

  ---

Kirghiz Customs and Traditions

• Holidays and Celebrations
• Traditional Clothing

  ---

Travel and Transportation

• Modes of Transportation
• Asking for Directions

  ---

Adjectives and Adverbs

• Adjective Agreement
• Comparative and Superlative

  ---

Weather and Seasons

• Seasons
• Weather Conditions

  ---

Kirghiz Literature and Music

• Famous Writers and Poets
• Traditional Music and Instruments

Other Lessons

• Seasons
• Family
• Ordering at a Restaurant
• Education
• Months of the Year
• City
• Geography
• How to say Good Bye?
• Colors