Language/Halh-mongolian/Vocabulary/Greetings-and-Courtesies

Halh Mongolian → Vocabulary → Greetings and Courtesies

As a Halh Mongolian language teacher with 20 years of experience, I know that learning basic greetings and courtesies is essential when starting a new language. In this lesson, you will learn how to say hello, goodbye, thank you and sorry in Halh Mongolian, along with some cultural information and interesting facts that will help you understand better how to use these expressions in context.

Basic Greetings

Let's start with some basic greetings in Halh Mongolian. These expressions are commonly used to greet someone for the first time or to say hello to someone you already know.

Halh Mongolian	Pronunciation	English
Сайн уу	"sain uu"	Hello (formal)
Сайн байна уу	"sain baina uu"	Hello (informal)
Өөрөө өглөө баярлалаа	"Öröö öglöö bayarlalaa"	Good morning
Маягт сайхан орой	"Mayagt saikhan oroi"	Good afternoon
Маягт сайхан шд	"mayagt saikhan shd"	Good evening
Сайн даa	"Sain daa"	Bye (informal)
Баяртай	"Bayartai"	Bye (formal)

Note that when you meet someone for the first time or someone who is older or in a higher position than you, it is usually better to use the formal expression "Сайн уу" (sain uu), which is the equivalent of "Hello" in English. When you greet someone you know well or someone younger than you, you can use the informal version "Сайн байна уу" (sain baina uu), which is more relaxed and casual.

In Halh Mongolian culture, it is also common to ask about someone's well-being or to wish them a good day, depending on the time of day. Saying "Өөрөө өглөө баярлалаа" (Öröö öglöö bayarlalaa) means "Good morning," while "Маягт сайхан орой" (Mayagt saikhan oroi) means "Good afternoon," and "Маягт сайхан шд" (mayagt saikhan shd) means "Good evening." These expressions are polite and show that you are interested in the other person's well-being.

Expressions of Gratitude

Gratitude is an important value in Halh Mongolian culture, and expressing thankfulness and appreciation is a common practice in social interactions. Here are some of the expressions that you can use to show your gratitude in Halh Mongolian.

Halh Mongolian	Pronunciation	English
Баярлалаа	"Bayarlalaa"	Thank you
Тэмдэглэж баярлалаа	"Temdeglej bayarlalaa"	Thank you very much

When someone does something for you or gives you a gift, you can express your gratitude by saying "Баярлалаа" (Bayarlalaa), which means "Thank you." If you want to show a higher level of appreciation, you can say "Тэмдэглэж баярлалаа" (Temdeglej bayarlalaa), which translates to "Thank you very much."

It is important to note that Halh Mongolians value modesty and humility, and being too effusive in expressing gratitude can be seen as insincere or boastful. So, keep your expressions simple and sincere, and you will be well-received.

Apologies and Excuses

When you make a mistake or cause inconvenience to others, it is important to apologize and offer an explanation or excuse. Here are some of the expressions that you can use to apologize in Halh Mongolian.

Halh Mongolian	Pronunciation	English
Уучлаарай	"Uuchlaarai"	I am sorry / Excuse me
За	"Za"	Sorry (informal)
Танд баярлалаа	"Tand bayarlalaa"	Sorry to trouble you
Баяр хүргэе	"Bayar hürgee"	I apologize / I'm sorry (formal)

The most common way to apologize is to say "Уучлаарай" (Uuchlaarai), which means "I am sorry" or "Excuse me." This expression is used in both formal and informal situations. If you want to use a more informal and casual expression, you can simply say "За" (Za), which also means "Sorry."

If you want to apologize for causing inconvenience or trouble to someone, you can say "Танд баярлалаа" (Tand bayarlalaa), which means "Sorry to trouble you." This expression shows that you acknowledge the other person's inconvenience and that you are making an effort to be polite.

Finally, if you want to apologize in a more formal and respectful way, you can use the expression "Баяр хүргэе" (Bayar hürgee), which translates to "I apologize" or "I'm sorry." This expression is usually used in formal settings or when apologizing to someone of higher status.

Conclusion

In this lesson, you have learned some basic Halh Mongolian greetings and expressions of gratitude and apology, as well as some cultural information and interesting facts that will help you use these expressions in context. Remember that showing respect and politeness is important in Halh Mongolian culture, so using these expressions appropriately can make a big difference in your social interactions.

Related Lessons

• Family
• Education
• House
• Business and Economy
• Greetings
• Sports and Games
• Travel and Tourism
• Weather and Climate
• Idiomatic Expressions