څنګه وایي
tsanga waii
The English phrase "how to say" is translated into Pashto as څنګه وایي (tsanga waii).
This phrase is typically used as a preamble to a specific word, for example: [Word] په پښتو کې څنګه وایي؟ ([Word] in Pashto how to say?).
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the adverb څنګه (tsanga) meaning "how" and the verb وایي (waii) meaning "says" or "is said".
How does it change in a sentence?
While څنګه وایي is a general way to ask "how is it said", using the second-person form څنګه وایئ (with a long "i" sound) makes the question directed specifically at the person you are speaking to.
How do you pronounce it?
tsanga waii
Did you know?
- In Pashto, the phrase څنګه وایي literally translates to 'How does it say?', treating the word or object as an active subject that performs the action of speaking.
- The word څنګه (tsanga) is used not only for 'how' but also as a filler word to express hesitation or a search for the right term, similar to 'how should I put it' in English.
- The verb root ویل found in this phrase is so versatile that it is the primary component in many Pashto idioms used to discuss the concepts of truth and lies.
Examples in context
- دا په انګلیسي کې څنګه وایي؟da pa anglisī ke sanga wayī?How do you say this in English?
- زه نه پوهېږم چې دا څنګه وایي.za na pohegam che da sanga wayī.I don't know how to say this.
- دا لفظ په پښتو کې څنګه وایي؟da lafz pa pashto ke sanga wayī?How do you say this word in Pashto?
Example conversation
Zalmai is asking Zarkola for help with a language lesson.
- زلمای Zalmayزركولہ، 'مننه' په انګلیسي کې څنګه وایي؟Zarkola, 'manana' pa Anglisi ke tsanga wayee?Zarkola, how do you say 'thank you' in English?
- زركولہ Zarkolaهغوی ورته 'Thank you' وایي.Haghway warta 'Thank you' wayee.They say 'Thank you' for it.
- زلمای Zalmayدا ډیره اسانه ده.Da dera asana da.That is very easy.
- زركولہ Zarkolaهو، بالکل اسانه ده.Ho, bilkul asana da.Yes, it is absolutely easy.
