Ez kêfxweş bûm
The English phrase "pleased to meet you" is translated into Kurdish as Ez kêfxweş bûm.
This phrase is a polite formula used when being introduced to somebody.
Meaning: polite formula used when being introduced to somebody (phrase)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to "I became happy", where Ez means "I", kêfxweş means "happy/pleased" and bûm means "became".
Which one should you use?
A more complete or formal way to say this is Ez bi dîtina we kêfxweş bûm, which adds 'by seeing you' to the sentiment.
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb bûm is in the past tense, which is the standard way to express this sentiment in Kurdish, rather than using a present tense "to be" construction.
Did you know?
- In Kurdish culture, simply saying you are 'happy' upon meeting someone is often accompanied by placing your hand over your heart to show sincerity.
- The word ez shares a common ancient ancestor with the English word 'I' and the Latin 'ego'.
- The word kêfxweş is built from kêf meaning 'mood' or 'spirit' and xweş meaning 'good'. To be pleased is literally to have a 'good mood'.
Examples in context
- Ez kêfxweş bûm bi dîtina we.I am pleased to meet you (formal/plural).
Example conversation
Heval is meeting Rojda for the first time at a social gathering.
- HevalSilav, ez Heval im. Ez kêfxweş bûm.Hello, I am Heval. Pleased to meet you.
- RojdaSilav, ez jî kêfxweş bûm.Hello, I am pleased to meet you too.
- HevalTu çawa yî, Rojda?How are you, Rojda?
- RojdaEz baş im, spas dikim.I am well, thank you.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ez, CC BY-SA 4.0.
