Gaining the ability to communicate in different languages opens up our world to new opportunities and connections. If you’re interested in learning Pashto, one of the widely spoken languages in Afghanistan and parts of Pakistan, it’s important to start with some basic vocabulary. In this guide, we’ll focus on one essential word: “school.” Whether you’re a student, a teacher, or simply curious, we’ll explore the formal and informal ways to say “school” in Pashto.
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Formal Ways to Say School
When using more formal language to refer to a school in Pashto, you can use any of the following terms:
- Daryaftango – This is the most common and widely understood term for “school” in Pashto. It translates to “educational institution.”
- Pohele – This word denotes a “school” in a more general sense.
- Maktab – This term specifically refers to “school,” often in the context of elementary or primary education.
- Adabi sarah – Used to describe a “school” with a literary or educational focus.
Informal Ways to Say School
When speaking in a more casual setting or with friends, you might prefer the following terms to refer to a school:
- Madrasa – This term is commonly used to refer to “school” but leans towards a religious education setting, like a seminary or Islamic school.
- Loole – A colloquial version of “school” used more frequently in informal conversations.
- Kachehri – Used specifically in some regions to describe a school where religious education is taught, often part of a mosque complex.
Regional Variations
Pashto is spoken by various ethnic groups across different regions, and as a result, you may come across regional variations in vocabulary when referring to “school.” Here are a few examples:
Kandahar:
In Kandahar, a city in southern Afghanistan, the term Daftar may be used instead of “Daryftango” or “Pohele.” This is a regional variation that still means “school.”
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa:
In the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan, the word Talimati idara is often used to refer to a “school.”
Usage Tips and Examples
Talking about School:
Let’s take a look at some examples to help you understand how to use these terms in conversation:
In a formal context: “I work at a school.”
Translation: “Zamung cardaka pohele warkrawum.”
In an informal context: “I’m going to school.”
Translation: “Zama loole taso dalta yem.”
Asking about Someone’s Education:
If you want to ask someone about their education or where they go to school, you can use these phrases:
Formal: “Which school do you attend?”
Translation: “Taso taso da kha daarsaye yaywale?”
Informal: “Where do you go to school?”
Translation: “Taso da loole ta kawamay?”
Talking about Types of Schools:
If you’re discussing different types of schools, you can use the following terms:
“I want to apply to a university.”
Translation: “Zama da saharay layarayegwam mwate alamaday.”
“My cousin attends a madrasa.”
Translation: “Za joray da madrasay ta dalta yam.”
Remember, practice is key to becoming fluent in any language. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes, and feel free to use the formal or informal terms based on the context and your relationship with those you are conversing with.
Now that you’ve learned various ways to say “school” in Pashto, keep expanding your vocabulary and explore other aspects of this fascinating language. Before you know it, you’ll be speaking Pashto with confidence!
