ته ښکلې يې
tə x̌kəle ye
The English phrase "you are beautiful" is translated into Pashto as ته ښکلې يې (tə x̌kəle ye).
This phrase is a compliment used to tell a woman or girl that she is physically attractive.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of ته (you), ښکلې (beautiful) and يې (are).
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase changes to the masculine form ته ښکلی يې when addressing a man or boy.
How do you pronounce it?
tə x̌kəle ye
Did you know?
- The word for 'you' ته shares a distant ancestor with the English word 'thou' and the Spanish word 'tú'.
- In some Pashtun cultures, direct compliments on physical appearance can be seen as overly bold or even impolite between strangers.
- Pashto has a complex system of honorifics where the word 'you' changes entirely if you are speaking to someone of higher social status or an elder.
Examples in context
- ته ښکلې يې.ta xkule ye.You are beautiful.
Example conversation
A man gives a compliment to his wife.
- خان Khanته ښکلې يې، زركولہ.Ta khkule ye, Zarkula.You are beautiful, Zarkula.
- زركولہ Zarkolaمننه، خان.Manana, Khan.Thank you, Khan.
- خان Khanدا رښتیا ده.Da rishtya da.It is the truth.
- زركولہ Zarkolaته ډیر مهربانه يې.Ta der mehrabana ye.You are very kind.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ته, CC BY-SA 4.0.
