ښکلی
x̌kúlay/ˈʂkwə.lai/
The English word "pretty" is translated to Pashto as ښکلی (x̌kúlay).
The adjective ښکلی is used to describe someone or something as pleasant or attractive. It is especially common when referring to women and children.
Meaning: especially of women and children: pleasant, attractive (adj)
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced as /ˈʂkwə.lai/. The stress is on the first of two syllables.
Did you know?
- Depending on the dialect, the pronunciation of the initial consonant in ښکلی can shift between a 'sh' sound and a 'kh' sound.
- The word ښکلی shares a root with the Arabic word for 'form' or 'shape', meaning that to be 'pretty' in Pashto is etymologically linked to having a good form.
- The word ښکلی can be used as a noun to mean 'the beautiful one' without needing an additional word like 'person'.
Examples in context
- دا ښکلی ماشوم دی.da khkulay mashoom day.This is a pretty child.
Example conversation
Ahmed is commenting on Zarkola's dress.
- احمد Ahmedتاسو نن ډیره ښکلی ښکارئ.Taso nan dera shkali khkaray.You look very pretty today.
- زركولہ Zarkolaمننه، احمد صاحب!Manana, Ahmed sahib!Thank you, Mr. Ahmed!
- احمد Ahmedدا جامه تاته ډیره ښایسته ده.Da jama ta ta dera shayasta da.This dress suits you very well.
- زركولہ Zarkolaډیره مننه ستاسو نه.Dera manana staso na.Thank you very much.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry ښکلی, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ښکلی, CC BY-SA 4.0.
