It is always good to speak a few words in the language of your host’s country. Ladakhi – the language of the people of Ladakh – isn’t that easy to learn, but on the other hand you do not have to know it perfectly. It is enough to speak a few words and you will quickly make friends. Also you show by speaking a few words in Ladakhi that you appreciate the host’s culture.
The 20 most important words and phrases in Ladakhi
Especially Ladakhi, who do not know English, really appreciate if someone knows a few words in Ladakhi.
JULLEY [dschu-leh] The most powerful word of the ladakhi language. It is so much more than one word in english. It means: HELLO, BYE, THANK YOU, PLEASE. A simple, yet strong word to build friendships.
KHAMSANG-IN-A-LEY? [or short: khamsang-ley?]
How are you? Note: The suffix “ley” at the end of a sentence makes everything sound a bit more polite. You can use it as often as you like! You can not do anything wrong with it!
KHAMSANG-LEY!
I am fine.
DON-LEY!
Please eat/take! Especially when invited by ladakhi families you will hear this term very often. It is part of the ladakhi etiquette to “force” their guests to eat/drink.
The Ladakhi are great hosts and like to spoil their guests.
MAN-LEY.
No, thanks!
D(r)IK-LEY.
It is enough!
DANGS-LEY.
I am full.
O-LEY.
Yes, please.
TSAPIK-LEY.
A little bit, please.
SHIMPO RAK-LEY!
It is delicious.
Many dishes in Ladakh are “ma shimpo” – very delicious. Photo: Preparing of Momos.
NYERANGI-MING CHI IN-LEY?
What is your name?
NGE-MING … IN-LEY.
My name is …
NYERANG KANE IN-LEY?
From where are you?
NGA Germany/Austria/Switzerland-NE IN-LEY.
I am from Germany/Austria/Switzerland.
KULE-KULE!
Slowly-slowly!
Especially during treks it is important to walk “kule-kule”.
NGA GO-A ZUMO RAK.
I have headache.
NGA TODPA-A ZUMO RAK.
I have tummy ache.
NGA TUTU-A ZUMO RAK.
I have throat pain.
LAM (place)-A KANE INOK-LEY?
Where is the way to (place)?
(LADAKH)MAA LDEMO DUK-LEY.
(Ladakh) it is beautiful.
It is not diffult to use the phrase “demo duk-ley”, as Ladakh is at many places very beautiful.
