Language/Kazakh/Vocabulary/Asking-for-and-Giving-Directions
Asking for and giving directions in a foreign country can be a daunting experience, but it doesn't have to be. In this lesson, we will cover the basics of asking for and giving directions in Kazakh, so you can confidently navigate your way around new places.
Essential Vocabulary
Here are some helpful words and phrases to get you started:
| Kazakh | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| қайда | qayda | where |
| осында | osynда | here |
| осы әулде | osy aulde | this street |
| сол әулде | sol aulde | that street |
| оқшау | oqshau | turn left |
| арқылы | arқyly | go straight |
| оңға | oŋɣa | turn right |
| орындалуы | oryndalyi | location |
| ұбақтысы | ubaqtyңysy | distance |
Asking for Directions
If you need to ask for directions, here are some useful phrases you can use:
- Қайда? (Qayda?) - Where?
- Бұл жернің қандайша тұр? (Bul jerniń qandaişa tūr?) - What does this place look like?
- Осы уақытқа дейін жүріп кеттім, жағдай не? (Osı waqtyқa deiіn jūrip kettiм, jaғday ne?) - I have been walking for some time now, what's the situation?
- Сіз осындағы әулеге қалай жетіңіз? (Sіz osyndaғy aulege qalai jetіңіz?) - How do I get to this street?
- Арқыңызға бұрын кілті тұрған кезде, келесі NE жерде болады? (Arқyñyzғa būryn kiltі tūrqan kezde, kelesi NE jerde bolady?) - After turning right, where is the next location?
Giving Directions
If you need to give directions in Kazakh, here are some useful phrases for you to use:
- Осында (Osynда) – Here
- Сол жағында (Sol jaғynda) - That way
- Оңға бұрын (Oŋɣa burın) - To the right
- Солға бұрын (Solғa burın) - To the left
- Орнынтой, осы уақытқа дейін жүрыңыз (Ornyntoı, osy waqtyқa deiіn jūryңyz) - Take note of the location, walk as far as here
- Әрі жүз бес метр өткен соң, бірінші өзгерістегі батылмен оңға бұрын кезінде (Ärі jūz bes metr ötkіn soŋ, bіrіnshі ozgerіstegі batylmen oŋɣa burın kezinde) - After walking for 150 meters, turn right at the first traffic light.
Remember, if you're unsure of something, don't be afraid to ask for clarification. Kazakh people are generally friendly and eager to help.
Practice Sentences
Use the following sentences to practice asking for and giving directions.
- Сіз үшін алдыңғы бұның артындағы әулеге қалай жетіңіз? (Sіz üshiń aldyңғy būnyң artыndaғy aulege qalai jetіңіz?) - How do I get to the street behind this one for you?
- Орнынтой, осы уақытқа дейін жүріңіз (Ornyntoı, osy waqtyқa deiіn jūriңіz) - Walk along the location as far as here.
- Арқыңызға бұрын, сіз қандай жерге баруыңыз керек? (Arқyñyzғa būryn, sіz qandai jegre baruıңyz kerek?) - After turning right, where do you need to go?
- Бұл жер қандай? (Bul jer qanday?) - What does this place look like?
- Әрі жүз бес метр өткен соң, бірінші өзгерістегі батылмен оңға бұрын кезінде көрсет тұр. (Ärі jūz bes metr ötkіn soŋ, bіrіnshі ozgerіstegі batylmen oŋɣa burın kezinde körset tūr.) - After walking for 150 meters, turn right at the first traffic light.
Culture Tips
When asking for directions, it is important to keep in mind that etiquette varies from culture to culture. Here are some tips to keep in mind when asking for directions in Kazakhstan:
- It is common for Kazakhs to use landmarks instead of street names when giving directions. Be mentally prepared to listen carefully and take notes.
- Always thank people who help you, whether or not they give you accurate directions.
- Learning a few phrases in Kazakh, such as "Әлександырықтан өте жақсы" (Alеksandıryqtan öte jaqsy) which means "thank you very much", can go a long way in showing that you appreciate someone's help.
Sources
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