Kazakh is a language rich with idiomatic expressions that reflect the culture, history, and values of the Kazakh people. For language learners, understanding idioms can be a delightful way to delve deeper into the nuances of the language. Idioms often provide insight into the collective mindset and traditions of a community. This article explores some common Kazakh idioms and their meanings to help you get a better grasp of this fascinating language.
1. Түбіне жету (Tübіne jetu)
This idiom translates to “reach the bottom” or “get to the root.” It means to fully understand or solve a problem by finding its fundamental cause. Much like in English, where we might say we need to “get to the bottom” of something, this idiom is used when someone is determined to uncover the core issue.
2. Етек-жеңін жинау (Etek-jenіn zhіnau)
Literally, this means “to gather one’s hem and sleeves.” Figuratively, it implies gathering oneself together, or getting organized. It’s used to describe someone who is pulling themselves together in order to face a challenge or starting to act responsibly.
3. Жүрегіңді ұста (Zhüregіñdі usta)
This idiom means “hold your heart.” It’s used in situations where someone needs to stay calm or be brave. Similar to the English phrase “steady your nerves,” it’s often said to someone who is about to face a difficult or frightening situation.
4. Тауға шығып, тасқа түсіп (Tauga shygyp, tasqa tüsip)
The literal translation is “climb the mountain, descend on the rock.” It describes someone who has been through many hardships and challenges. This idiom is often used to commend someone’s resilience and perseverance, much like the English saying “been through the wringer.”
5. Қой аузынан шөп алмас (Qoi auzynan shöp almaz)
Translated, this means “a sheep won’t take grass from its mouth.” It describes a person who is extremely gentle and harmless. Similar to the English idiom “wouldn’t hurt a fly,” it is used to highlight someone’s kind and non-threatening nature.
6. Су ішкен құдығыңа түкірме (Su ishken qudyğyna tükirme)
This idiom translates to “don’t spit into the well you drank water from.” It is a caution against being ungrateful or disrespectful to something or someone that has helped you. In English, a similar phrase would be “don’t bite the hand that feeds you.”
7. Айтпаса сөздің атасы өледі (Aitpasa sözdіñ atasy ölіedі)
This translates to “if not said, the father of the word dies.” It means that if something important is not spoken, its significance will be lost. It emphasizes the importance of communication and speaking up, especially when something crucial needs to be addressed.
8. Ит өлген жерде (It ölgen yerde)
Literally, this means “where the dog died.” It is used to describe a place that is very far away or extremely remote. In English, we might say “in the middle of nowhere.”
9. Айрандай ұйыған (Airañdai úiyğan)
This idiom translates to “curdled like yogurt.” It is used to describe a harmonious and peaceful situation, typically referring to a family or community that lives in unity and tranquility. In English, we might use the phrase “as thick as thieves,” although it usually refers to a close-knit group rather than peacefulness.
10. Құдай сақтасын (Qudai saqtasyn)
This translates to “God forbid.” It is an exclamation used when talking about something undesirable or unfortunate that one hopes will never happen. It carries a similar sentiment to the English phrase “knock on wood,” used to avoid jinxing oneself.
11. Жер жастану (Zher zhastanu)
Literally, this means “to lie on the ground.” Figuratively, it means to die or be defeated. It is often used in a context where someone has faced a significant loss or has been utterly defeated, similar to the English phrase “bite the dust.”
12. Аузына май, аяғына бал (Auzına mai, ayağına bal)
This translates to “oil in your mouth, honey on your feet.” It is a blessing or a wish for someone to have good fortune and prosperity. In English, a similar sentiment might be expressed by saying “may you have sweet success.”
13. Күлме досыңа, келер басыңа (Külme dosyña, keler basyña)
This idiom means “don’t laugh at your friend, it might come to your head.” It is a warning against mocking others, as the same misfortune might happen to you. This is akin to the English phrase “don’t tempt fate.”
14. Қырық кісі бір жақ, қыңыр кісі бір жақ (Qyryq kisi bіr zhaq, qynyr kisi bіr zhaq)
Literally, “forty people in one direction, one stubborn person in another.” This idiom describes someone who is stubbornly going against the consensus or the common direction of a group. In English, we might say “going against the grain.”
15. Екі түйе сүйкенсе, ортасында шыбын өледі (Eki tüie süikense, ortasynda shybyn öliedі)
This translates to “when two camels push against each other, the fly in between dies.” It describes a situation where two powerful entities clash, and the ones who suffer are the smaller, less powerful individuals caught in between. In English, we might use the phrase “when elephants fight, it is the grass that suffers.”
16. Көзден таса, көңілден таса (Közden tasa, köñіlden tasa)
This idiom means “out of sight, out of mind.” It refers to how people or things that are not seen frequently are often forgotten or not thought about. This is the same as the English expression “out of sight, out of mind.”
17. Қолыңнан келсе, қонышыңнан бас (Qolyñnan kelse, qonyshyñnan bas)
Translated, this means “if you can do it, start from your boot.” It implies beginning a task with whatever resources or abilities you have, even if they are minimal. It encourages taking initiative and making the best of what you have, much like the English phrase “start from scratch.”
18. Қасқырды қанша асырасаң да, орманға қарап ұлуын қоймайды (Qasqyrdy qanşa asyrasañ da, ormanğa qarap uluyın qoymaidy)
This idiom translates to “no matter how much you feed a wolf, it will always howl looking at the forest.” It means that no matter how well you treat someone, their true nature will eventually reveal itself. This is similar to the English saying “a leopard cannot change its spots.”
19. Қой үстіне бозторғай жұмыртқалаған заман (Qoi üstіne boztorğai zhūmyrtqalağan zaman)
This translates to “a time when a lark lays an egg on a sheep.” It describes a period of peace and prosperity, where everything is in perfect harmony. In English, we might say “a golden age.”
20. Тышқандай қорқақ (Tyshqandai qorqaq)
This idiom means “as scared as a mouse.” It describes someone who is extremely timid or fearful. In English, we might say “scaredy-cat” or “timid as a mouse.”
Kazakh idioms are a window into the culture and values of the Kazakh people. Understanding these idioms can greatly enhance your grasp of the language and provide deeper insights into the ways of thinking and communicating in Kazakh society. By learning and using these idiomatic expressions, you not only enrich your vocabulary but also connect more deeply with the cultural and linguistic heritage of Kazakhstan.
