ښکلی
x̌kúlay/ˈʂkwə.lai/
The English word "cute" is translated into Pashto as ښکلی (x̌kúlay).
The word is used to describe something or someone as attractive or pleasing in a youthful, dainty, quaint or fun-spirited way. The word ښکلی can be used to describe something or someone as beautiful or cute in a refined and elegant manner.
Meaning: attractive or pleasing in a youthful, dainty, quaint or fun-spirited way (adj)
Which one should you use?
While ښکلی is a formal way to express beauty or cuteness, the informal word څېکلی is used to describe something or someone as cute in an affectionate way.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is x̌kúlay. It has 2 syllables, and the stress is on the 1st syllable.
Did you know?
- In Pashto culture, praising a child as ښکلی can sometimes be followed by a protective phrase to ward off the 'evil eye'.
- The word ښکلی is an etymological relative of the English word 'shape' through its connection to the Arabic 'šakl', meaning 'form' or 'likeness'.
- While ښکلی describes a visual quality, Pashto uses different adjectives for 'cute' when referring to a person's sweet temperament or behavior, which English often lumps under the single word 'cute'.
Examples in context
- دا ماشوم ډېر ښکلی دی.da mashoom der khkuli day.This child is very cute.
Example conversation
Maryam and Khan are looking at a puppy together.
- مریم Maryamخان، دا ګروک ښکلی نه دی؟Khan, da garkuk shkali na day?Khan, isn't this puppy cute?
- خان Khanهو، ډېر ښکلی دی.Ho, der shkali day.Yes, it is very cute.
- مریم Maryamزه غواړم چې دا واخلوم.Za ghwaram che da wakhaloom.I want to buy it.
- خان Khanدا یو ښه خیال دی.Da yo kha khayal day.That is a good idea.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry ښکلی, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ښکلی, CC BY-SA 4.0.
