In this guide, we will learn how to say “shop” in Pashto, both in formal and informal contexts. Pashto, one of the two official languages of Afghanistan, is also spoken in parts of Pakistan. It is a beautiful language with its own unique vocabulary. Whether you are traveling to Afghanistan or simply interested in learning Pashto, knowing how to say “shop” is essential. Let’s get started!
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say “Shop”
1. دوکان (dookaan) – This is the most common word for “shop” in formal Pashto. It can be used to refer to any type of retail establishment or store. For example:
Example: څوکی دی ډوکان لپاره سترګی چاپره ویډئ.
Transliteration: Tsawki di dookaan lapaarae stargi chaaprae wayad.
Translation: I need to go to the shop to buy stationery.
2. بازار (baazaar) – While بازار primarily means “market” or “bazaar,” it can also be used to refer to individual shops. This word is more commonly used in formal contexts when referring to a specific shop within a larger market. For example:
Example: مو زلمیاست اوس د دریا بزار کې د بازارونو لپاره نيول شم چاپره کولای یئ.
Transliteration: Mu dzalmeiaast awss da darya bazaar ke da baazaronu lapaarae naywol sham chaaprae kawai ya?
Translation: It’s my cousin’s wedding, so can I buy clothes from the shops in the market near the river?
Informal Ways to Say “Shop”
1. کړی (krray) – This is the colloquial word for “shop” in Pashto. It is commonly used in everyday conversations and has a more relaxed and informal tone. For example:
Example: زه پارے میدام، مو دوکان که گواهی نه ورنېدم.
Transliteration: Zha paare maydaam, mu dookan ke gawaahi na waraandam.
Translation: Excuse me, madam, but I didn’t receive the receipt from the shop.
2. سوداګرۍ (soodaagaray) – This word is used to refer to shopkeepers or store owners in an informal setting. It is derived from the word “سودا” (sooda), meaning “trade” or “business.” For example:
Example: سوداګرۍ زه راپور نه کړلې، مو تاسې ټاکلی سترګۍ کې نه سره وتلیږم.
Transliteration: Soodaagray zha raapor na krralei, mu taasay taaakalay stargay ke na sare watligam.
Translation: Shopkeeper, I haven’t made a report yet. I’ll talk to you later in the store.
Regional Variations
While Pashto is spoken across regions, there may be some slight variations in vocabulary depending on the area. Here are a few regional variations of the word “shop”:
- دکان (dakaan) – This term is more commonly used in eastern dialects of Pashto, especially in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan.
- دوگر (dowgar) – This variation is often used in more southern regions of Afghanistan, such as Kandahar.
Remember, while these regional variations exist, the previously mentioned words “دوکان” (dookaan) and “کړی” (krray) are widely understood and can be used across different regions without confusion.
Learning how to say “shop” in Pashto is the first step to familiarizing yourself with this beautiful language. By using these formal and informal terms, along with their regional variations, you can confidently navigate the shopping landscape in Afghanistan and impress the locals with your language skills. Happy shopping!
