Want to venture into the Fann Mountains or get lost in the streets of Khujand? Good idea! Tajikistan is a land of legendary hospitality, genuine smiles, hot tea... and words that don't always translate but say a lot. Here are 15 Tajik expressions to pull out during your trip to break the ice, earn points (and maybe even a plate of plov).
1. Khouch-omaded! (Хуш омадед!)
🎉 Welcome!
The first thing you'll hear when arriving somewhere. A warm word, which means: "You have arrived with happiness." And when they say it to you, it's not empty talk: Tajiks welcome you with their heart. Sometimes also with tea, bread, and everything on the tablecloth.
2. Khohich mekunan (Хоҳич мекунанд)
🙏 Please
A precious formula for any polite interaction. Literally, it means "They ask for nothing," but depending on intonation and context, it can also express a gentle request. In pragmatic use, especially in the countryside or in a very polite setting, "khohich mekunam" (I ask) or its passive form "khohich mekuned" (you ask – in polite tone) can be used as a courteous request formula.
3. Tashakkur (Ташаккур)
🫶 Thank you
A slightly more literary version of "rahmat". To use to thank your host, a driver, or someone who just offered you a pomegranate in the middle of the market. Always appreciated, whatever the accent.
4. Salomat boshed (Саломат бошед)
❤️ Be healthy!
Often used in response to thanks. Instead of saying "you're welcome," here they wish you... health. Frankly, isn't that better? A formula that fits perfectly with the soul of the country: benevolence and everyday poetry.
5. Assalâm Aleykoum (Ассалому алейкум)
🕊️ Peace be upon you
Very respectful greeting formula, present throughout the Muslim world. You can reply "Wa aleykoum assalam". Bonus: if you use it, faces often light up.
6. Ishtahoi tom! (Иштаҳои том!)
🍽️ Bon appétit!
Literally: "Full appetite to you!" A classic at the table, especially if you're facing steaming plov or well-grilled skewers. It's said to everyone, even to the teapot if it's full. Smile guaranteed.
7. Zebo (Зебо)
🌸 Magnificent!
A short, sweet, and incredibly flattering word. Zebo is simple, natural, sincere beauty. To use for a carpet, a person, a gesture... or for a sunset that leaves you speechless.
And what a beautiful coincidence, Zebo sounds like "C'est beau!" (It's beautiful!) in French. Coincidence? We don't think so.
To say loudly, abundantly, in front of the dazzling landscapes of the Fann Mountains.
8. Chirin (Ширин)
🍬 Sweet / adorable
This word means "sweet," but also "cute," "charming." A tender compliment, that can be addressed to a child, a gentle song, or even a marmot crossing the road.
And especially: Chirin is also the name of the most adorable driver in the village of Voru, and probably in the entire Sughd province. Hard to be sweeter than him.
9. Bo khud bibol (Бо худ бибол)
👋 Go, may God accompany you, and be proud of who you are.
A word of encouragement full of nobility, which recognizes someone's value while wishing them the best, with a spiritual, cultural and human dimension. A poetic and benevolent way to say goodbye, to bless someone's path and transmit your moral support. Very used by elders. To pronounce when leaving a house or precious meeting, with a slight pang in the heart.
10. Khasta naboshed! (Хаста набошед!)
💆♂️ May you not be tired!
A classic. This is not a question, it's a wish. Literally: "May fatigue not be upon you!" It's used to encourage, thank or greet someone who is working. Perfect after a host has prepared tea for you or your driver has swallowed 200 km of mountain tracks without blinking. A bit like "hang in there" + "thank you" + "you're great."
11. Yak nevu hazor osoni...! (Як нею ҳазор сомонӣ…!)
🧘 Once is worth a thousand conveniences
A proverb that smells of Central Asian wisdom. We could translate it as: "One good moment can spare a thousand others." It's poetic, and above all, very Tajik. To pull out when everything's going smoothly, or when someone has managed to solve a problem in a snap of the fingers (true example: our favorite guide and driver, with the help of some cousins who appeared as if by magic, who managed to free a car stuck across the road leading to the village before we even had time to say "phew"!)
12. Pir chaved (Пир шавед)
🎂 May you grow old!
Literally: "become old." Contrary to popular belief, aging here is a real blessing. It's used for example when someone sneezes to wish good longevity to one's interlocutor.
13. Nadidam, namedonam (Надидам, намедонам)
🤐 I haven't seen, I don't know
Formula of humility. Very used when someone doesn't want to venture an answer. Sometimes sincere, sometimes diplomatic. When someone doesn't have the info... or prefers not to get involved. To use when you want to avoid a heated debate at the bazaar. Pull it out yourself too, with a smile, when asked how much a kilo of tomatoes costs in Dushanbe.
14. Beodob (Беодоб)
🚫 Rude, impolite
To use with caution! Word that stings, that sanctions inappropriate behavior. "Beodob" is not just a judgment, it's a verbal slap. To say when someone cuts in line, shows disrespect, or shouts too loud in the marshrutka.
15. Cherbacha (Шербача)
🦁 Lion-man
A word as powerful as it is poetic, formed from "sher" (lion) and "bacha" (son, man) — literally: "lion-man".
It's the nickname proudly claimed by our favorite French-speaking guide: the brave lion of Saint-Voru.
Always ready to carry your bag like a feather, he swallows the kilometers and elevation gains of the Fann Mountains with the lightness of someone doing their Sunday shopping.
A word to use with humor and a hint of admiration for those who know how to lead the way... and the group!
Conclusion:
Learning a few Tajik words is much more than a linguistic wink: it's a gesture of respect, a bridge to the other, a cup of tea that fills up a little more. Even with a shaky accent, the effort often brings out a sincere smile... or a full plate.
And if you like this approach, why not also discover these 10 Kazakh words to shine during your trip?