Idiomatic Expressions in Kazakh You Should Know

Kazakh, a Turkic language spoken primarily in Kazakhstan, is a language rich in idiomatic expressions. These phrases are essential for anyone looking to gain a deeper understanding of the language and culture. Idioms add color and depth to everyday conversation, making them an indispensable part of language learning. This article will introduce you to some of the most common and interesting idiomatic expressions in Kazakh, helping you to sound more like a native speaker and to understand the nuances of Kazakh culture better.

Understanding Idiomatic Expressions

Idiomatic expressions are phrases where the meaning is not immediately clear from the individual words that compose them. They often carry cultural significance and can offer insights into the values, humor, and history of a people. In Kazakh, idioms are particularly illustrative, often drawing on imagery from nature, traditional occupations, and social interactions.

Everyday Idioms

1. Жүрегіңді ауыртпа (Zhüreǵiñdi awyrtpa)

Translation: “Don’t burden your heart.”

Meaning: Used to tell someone not to worry or stress too much about a situation. It’s similar to the English expression “Don’t worry about it.”

2. Ит байласа тұрғысыз (It baylasa turǵysyz)

Translation: “Not even fit to tie a dog.”

Meaning: This is used to describe something that is in very poor condition or a place that is uninhabitable. It emphasizes the extent of how bad something is.

3. Қой үстіне бозторғай жұмыртқалаған заман (Qoi üstine boztorǵai jumyrtqalaǵan zaman)

Translation: “The time when the skylark laid an egg on the sheep’s back.”

Meaning: This idiom describes a golden age or a period of great peace and prosperity. It implies an idyllic time when everything was perfect.

Idioms Related to Animals

4. Ит өлген жер (It ölgen jer)

Translation: “The place where the dog died.”

Meaning: This idiom is used to describe a very remote or distant place, similar to the English “in the middle of nowhere.”

5. Жыланның аяғын көргендей (Jylanńyń ayaǵyn körgendei)

Translation: “Like seeing a snake’s foot.”

Meaning: This expression is used to describe something extremely rare or unlikely, akin to the English “when pigs fly.”

6. Жылқының тісін қарамайды (Jylqynyń tisin qaramaiydy)

Translation: “One doesn’t look at a horse’s teeth.”

Meaning: This idiom means one should not scrutinize a gift or favor too closely, similar to the English “Don’t look a gift horse in the mouth.”

Idioms Reflecting Social Interaction

7. Екі аяқты, бір бас (Eki ayaqty, bir bas)

Translation: “Two legs, one head.”

Meaning: This is used to describe someone who is just an ordinary person, emphasizing commonality. It’s similar to saying “Just a regular person.”

8. Тілектес болу (Tilektes bolu)

Translation: “To be wishful.”

Meaning: This idiom means to be supportive or to wish someone well. It reflects the communal spirit of Kazakh society.

9. Қой аузынан шөп алмайтын (Qoi auzynan shop almaiityn)

Translation: “Won’t take grass from a sheep’s mouth.”

Meaning: This describes someone who is very gentle or non-confrontational, akin to the English “wouldn’t hurt a fly.”

Idioms Involving Food

10. Тұзын тату (Tuzyn tatu)

Translation: “To taste the salt.”

Meaning: This idiom means to share a meal with someone, signifying friendship and hospitality. It emphasizes the importance of sharing food in Kazakh culture.

11. Аш құлақтан тиыш құлақ (Ash qulaqtan tiish qulaq)

Translation: “Better a calm ear than a hungry ear.”

Meaning: This phrase advises that it’s better to have peace of mind than to be stressed or anxious, even if it means not having luxuries or abundance.

12. Қолын майлау (Qolyn mailau)

Translation: “To oil one’s hand.”

Meaning: This idiom means to bribe someone. It reflects the pragmatic acknowledgment of corruption in some aspects of life.

Idioms Related to Nature

13. Су ішінде балық ұйықтайды (Su işinde balyq uyıqtaidy)

Translation: “Fish sleep in water.”

Meaning: This idiom is used to describe someone who is very comfortable or in their element. It’s similar to the English “a fish in water.”

14. Таудың басын көрмей, етегіне сүйсінбе (Tauǵyn basyn körmei, etegine suisinbe)

Translation: “Don’t admire the foot of the mountain without seeing its peak.”

Meaning: This idiom advises not to make judgments or be overly impressed by something until you have seen the whole picture.

15. Жерге түсіп кеткен алтын да кірлейді (Jerge tüsip ketken altyn da kirleidi)

Translation: “Even gold that falls to the ground gets dirty.”

Meaning: This idiom means that even valuable things can lose their worth or become tainted if not handled properly, similar to the English “All that glitters is not gold.”

How to Use Idioms Effectively

Learning idiomatic expressions is a great way to enhance your understanding of Kazakh, but using them correctly requires some practice. Here are a few tips to help you incorporate idioms into your language skills effectively:

1. Context is Key

Understanding the context in which an idiom is used is crucial. Idioms often don’t make sense if taken literally, so paying attention to the situation and the conversation can help you grasp the meaning.

2. Practice with Native Speakers

Engage in conversations with native Kazakh speakers. Not only will this help you understand the idioms better, but it will also give you a sense of when and how to use them appropriately.

3. Learn the Cultural Nuances

Many idioms are rooted in the culture and history of a people. Learning about Kazakh traditions, history, and social norms can provide valuable insights into the idioms and make them easier to remember and use.

4. Use Idioms in Writing

Incorporate idiomatic expressions into your writing exercises. This can help solidify your understanding and make you more comfortable using them in conversation.

5. Don’t Overuse Idioms

While idioms can enrich your language, overusing them can make your speech or writing sound forced or unnatural. Use them sparingly and appropriately.

Conclusion

Idiomatic expressions are a fascinating and integral part of the Kazakh language. They offer a window into the culture, values, and humor of the Kazakh people. By learning and using these idioms, you can enhance your language skills, communicate more effectively, and gain a deeper appreciation for Kazakh culture. Whether you are a beginner or an advanced learner, incorporating idioms into your language practice can make your Kazakh more vibrant and authentic. Happy learning!