silav, navê min
The English phrase "hello, my name is" is translated into Kurdish as silav, navê min.
This phrase is used to greet someone and introduce yourself by stating your name.
Is it said differently in some regions?
The forms Silav, navê min * e, Merheba, navê min * e, and Merhaba, navê min * e. are specific to Kurmanji Kurdish in Turkey.
How does it change in a sentence?
When using the structure navê min … e to say "my name is …", the name is followed by the copula e (is) at the end of the sentence, for example: Navê min Azad e (My name is Azad).
Did you know?
- The word nav meaning 'name' is a cognate with the English word 'name', reflecting their shared ancient Indo-European roots.
- In traditional Kurdish social settings, a person may ask about your family or health before you even have the chance to say navê min, as immediate personal introductions can sometimes feel too abrupt.
- The phrase navê min uses the word nav, which is the Kurdish word for 'name', but it is also used in poetic contexts to refer to 'fame' or 'reputation'.
Examples in context
- Merhaba, navê min Sarah e.Hello, my name is Sarah.
- Silav, navê min Leyla ye.Hello, my name is Leyla.
Example conversation
Aras and Nalin meet for the first time at a cafe.
- ArasSilav, navê min Aras e.Hello, my name is Aras.
- NalinSilav Aras, navê min Nalin e.Hello Aras, my name is Nalin.
- ArasNalin, tu çawa yî?Nalin, how are you?
- NalinEz baş im, spas.I am well, thanks.
