silav, çawa yî
The English phrase "hello, how are you" is translated into Kurdish as silav, çawa yî.
This phrase is a common greeting used to say hello and ask about someone's well-being.
What does it mean word for word?
The word silav literally means "greeting" or "salutation".
Which one should you use?
The phrase çawa yî is used when speaking to one person you know well. In contrast, use çawa in for formal contexts or when addressing a group of people.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase çawa yî is the singular, informal form of "how are you". To address a group or to use a formal tone, change çawa yî to çawa in.
When do people say it?
A common response to the question çawa yî is baş im, which means "I am well".
Did you know?
- In many Kurdish regions, the verbal greeting silav is frequently accompanied by placing a hand over the heart as a sign of deep respect and sincerity.
- The word silav shares its roots with the Arabic word for 'peace', meaning that when you say 'hello', you are literally wishing peace upon the other person.
- Kurdish speakers may often respond to 'how are you' with an expression of gratitude to God, such as 'Xwedê spas', even if they are not particularly religious, as it is a cultural idiom for 'all is well'.
Examples in context
- Silav, çawa yî?Hello, how are you?
- Silav, çawa yî, mamoste?Hello, how are you, teacher?
Example conversation
Layla and Aras meet on the street.
- LaylaSilav, çawa yî, Aras?Hello, how are you, Aras?
- ArasSilav Layla, ez baş im, spas!Hello Layla, I am well, thanks!
- LaylaKêfa min hat te dîtim.I am glad to see you.
- ArasMin jî, spas!Me too, thanks!
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries silav, CC BY-SA 4.0.
