ډېر ښه
der kha/ɖer xə/word by word
ډېر ښه (der kha) is the Pashto way to say very good.
This phrase is used to describe something of high quality or to express strong agreement with a statement or idea.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of ډېر (der), meaning 'very' and ښه (kha), meaning 'good'.
How do you pronounce it?
der kha
Did you know?
- The word ښه is often used by teachers in Pashto-speaking classrooms not just to praise work, but as a verbal signal to tell students to 'keep going' or 'continue'.
- The term ښه shares an ancient root with the word 'good' in other Iranian languages, reflecting a shared linguistic heritage across Central Asia.
- In many parts of Afghanistan, if someone says ډېر ښه with a rising intonation, it might actually function as a question, asking 'Is it very good?' rather than a statement.
Examples in context
- دا ډېر ښه ده.da der kha da.This is very good.
- ډېر ښه کار دی.der kha kar dai.It is a very good job.
Example conversation
Omar and Maryam are discussing a plan for dinner.
- عمر Omarراځئ چې نن بهر ډینر وکړو.Ratsay che nan bahar dinner wukru.Let's have dinner out today.
- مریم Maryamډېر ښه، زه هم همدا غوښتلم.Der kha, ze ham hamda ghushtalam.Very good, I wanted that too.
- عمر Omarمریم، کوم ځای ته لاړو؟Maryam, kum zay ta laro?Maryam, which place shall we go to?
- مریم Maryamهغه نوی رستورانت ډېر ښه دی.Hagha naway restaurant der kha day.That new restaurant is very good.
