چۆنی؟
çonî?
The Kurdish phrase for "how are you?" is چۆنی؟ (çonî?).
چۆنی؟ is a common greeting used to ask someone about their well-being.
What does it mean word for word?
The word چۆنی (çonî) is a combination of چۆن (how) and the second-person singular suffix -ی (you are).
Which one should you use?
While چۆنی؟ is used for individuals, you should use چۆنن؟ (çonin) to address more than one person or to be more polite.
How does it change in a sentence?
To address a group of people or to use a more polite form of address, change the singular چۆنی؟ to the plural/polite چۆنن؟.
How do you pronounce it?
çonî?
Did you know?
- In Kurdish culture, چۆنی؟ is often the first step in a ritualized sequence of questions about a person's health, family and work before any business is discussed.
- The word چۆن is a linguistic sibling to similar words in Persian and Balochi, linking the Kurdish greeting to a vast network of ancient Iranian languages.
- In certain Kurdish dialects, the pitch of the final vowel in چۆنی؟ can signal whether you are genuinely concerned or simply using it as a passing greeting.
Examples in context
- چۆنی؟How are you?
- سڵاو، چۆنی؟Hello, how are you?
Example conversation
Soran and Nalin meet on the street.
- Soranسڵاو نالین، چۆنی؟Hello Nalin, how are you?
- Nalinسڵاو سوران، من باشم، سوپاس.Hello Soran, I am fine, thank you.
- Soranزۆر باشە کە تۆ باشی.It is very good that you are well.
- Nalinسوپاس بۆ تۆش.Thank you too.
