Question Words

1. Эмне?

   Emne?

   What?

   Usage

   The shortest question word; pair it with pointing

2. Кайда?

   Kayda?

   Where?

   Usage

   Asks for a place; add a place name and you are understood

3. Качан?

   Kachan?

   When?

   Usage

   For departure times or opening times

4. Ким?

   Kim?

   Who?

   Usage

   Asks about a person, e.g. who is in charge

5. Эмнеге?

   Emnege?

   Why?

   Usage

   Asks for a reason, e.g. a delay or a refusal

6. Кантип?

   Kantip?

   How?

   Usage

   Asks for a method, including how to get somewhere

7. Канча?

   Kancha?

   How many?

   Usage

   Asks for a count of items or people

8. Бул канча турат?

   Bul kancha turat?

   How much is it?

   Usage

   The key price question, in markets and shops alike

9. Кайсынысы?

   Kaysynysy?

   Which one?

   Usage

   Used to pick from, or point at, a set of options

10. Бул эмне?

    Bul emne?

    What is this?

    Usage

    Point at a dish or product and ask what it is

11. Даараткана кайда?

    Daaratkana kayda?

    Where is the toilet?

    Usage

    One of the most-used questions on any trip

12. Саат канча?

    Saat kancha?

    What time is it?

    Usage

    Asks the current time, handy when making a connection

13. Барбы?

    Barby?

    Do you have it?

    Usage

    Asks about stock or availability; name the item first

14. Болобу?

    Bolobu?

    Can you do it?

    Usage

    Asks whether something is possible or allowed

15. Акы төлөнөбү?

    Aky tölönöbü?

    Is there a charge?

    Usage

    Check whether luggage storage, Wi-Fi, etc. costs money

16. Бекерби?

    Bekerbi?

    Is it free?

    Usage

    Confirms something is free, e.g. samples or a map

17. Болобу?

    Bolobu?

    Is this OK?

    Usage

    Used to ask for permission; pair it with pointing

18. Болбойбу?

    Bolboybu?

    Is it not allowed?

    Usage

    Used to double-check after being refused

19. Сиз жакшысызбы?

    Siz jakshysyzby?

    Are you OK?

    Usage

    Used to check on someone's wellbeing, unlike "Болобу?" which asks permission

20. Чынбы?

    Chynby?

    Really?

    Usage

    Used to confirm something surprising

21. Ишенимдүүсүзбү?

    Ishenimdüüsüzbü?

    Are you sure?

    Usage

    Reconfirms a fact; more formal than "Чынбы?"

22. Кайдан болосуз?

    Kaydan bolosuz?

    Where are you from?

    Usage

    A good conversation opener

23. Атыңыз ким?

    Atyngyz kim?

    What's your name?

    Usage

    A good conversation opener

24. Жашыңыз канча?

    Jashyngyz kancha?

    How old are you?

    Usage

    Asking someone's age, especially a woman's or a stranger's, can be considered impolite. Best reserved for once you know someone or as a mark of respect toward elders

25. Бирге сүрөткө түшсөк болобу?

    Birge sürötkö tüshsök bolobu?

    Can we take a photo together?

    Usage

    Used to ask for permission

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