ته ډېر ښکلی ښکارې
tə ډer x̌kuli x̌kāre
The English phrase "you look beautiful" is translated into Pashto as ته ډېر ښکلی ښکارې (tə ډer x̌kuli x̌kāre).
This phrase is used as a compliment to tell someone that they have a pleasing appearance.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to "you very beautiful appear".
Which one should you use?
The word ډېر means "very" or "much". Omitting it would change the phrase from "you look very beautiful" to "you look beautiful".
How does it change in a sentence?
When addressing a woman, the adjective ښکلی (x̌kuli) changes to ښکلې (x̌kile) to match the feminine gender.
How do you pronounce it?
tə ډer x̌kuli x̌kāre
Did you know?
- In many Pashto-speaking cultures, direct compliments on appearance are often accompanied by a phrase to ward off the 'evil eye' to avoid bringing bad luck to the person.
- The pronoun ته shares the same ancient roots as the English word 'thou', tracing back to the same Proto-Indo-European ancestor.
- In poetry and song, the concept of beauty is often linked to the moon, meaning you might hear a person compared to the moon instead of being called ښکلی.
Example conversation
A husband compliments his wife before they leave for a party.
- زركولہ Zarkolaاحمد، زه څنګه ښکارم؟Ahmed, ze sanga khkaram?Ahmed, how do I look?
- احمد Ahmedته ډېر ښکلی ښکارې، زركولہ.Ta der khkuli khkare, Zarkola.You look beautiful, Zarkola.
- زركولہ Zarkolaډېره مننه، ته هم ډېر ښکلی یې.Dera manana, ta ham der khkuli ye.Thank you very much, you are also very handsome.
- احمد Ahmedراځه، وخت وشو.Raza, wakht washo.Come on, it is time.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ته, ښکلی, CC BY-SA 4.0.
