ستا سترګې ښکلې دي
stā stərgē x̌kulē dī
The English phrase "your eyes are beautiful" is translated into Pashto as ستا سترګې ښکلې دي (stā stərgē x̌kulē dī).
This phrase is used as a compliment to tell someone that their eyes are attractive.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of stā (your), stərgē (eyes), x̌kulē (beautiful) and dī (are).
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective x̌kulē (beautiful) must agree in gender and number with the noun stərgē (eyes), which is a feminine plural noun.
How do you pronounce it?
stā stərgē x̌kulē dī
Did you know?
- While the phrase is literal, it is common in Pashto culture to deflect such a compliment with a phrase of modesty or a prayer to avoid the 'evil eye'.
- In Pashto poetry, eyes are often compared to 'almonds' or 'gazelles' to describe a specific shape of beauty.
- In many Pashtun cultures, direct eye contact can be seen as a sign of intense emotion or even confrontation, so saying stā stərgē x̌kulē dī requires a very delicate, respectful approach.
Example conversation
A couple is talking while walking in a park.
- زركولہ Zarkolaخان، ستا سترګې ښکلې دي.Khan, sta starge khkule dee.Khan, your eyes are beautiful.
- خان Khanمننه، زركولہ، ته هم ډېره ښکلې یې.Manana, Zarkola, ta ham dera khkule ye.Thank you, Zarkola, you are very beautiful too.
- زركولہ Zarkolaدا ډېر مهربانۍ ده.Da der mehrabani da.That is very kind.
- خان Khanزه ستا په سترګو کې ډېر خوند لوم.Za sta pa stargo ke der khwand loom.I find great joy in your eyes.
