The Names of the Months in Kazakh
Overview of Kazakh Month Names
The Kazakh calendar uses month names that are distinct from those used in Russian or English. While Kazakhstan officially uses the Gregorian calendar, the names of the months in Kazakh often reflect natural phenomena, agricultural cycles, and historical events. Here is a list of the months in Kazakh:
- Қаңтар (Qantar)
- Ақпан (Aqpan)
- Наурыз (Nauryz)
- Сәуір (Säuir)
- Мамыр (Mamyr)
- Маусым (Mausym)
- Шілде (Shilde)
- Тамыз (Tamyz)
- Қыркүйек (Qyrkúiek)
- Қазан (Qazan)
- Қараша (Qarasha)
- Желтоқсан (Jeltoqsan)
Historical Origins and Meanings of Each Month
Қаңтар (Qantar) – January
The word “Qantar” is believed to come from the Kazakh word for “ice” or “to freeze.” January is the coldest month in Kazakhstan, and lakes and rivers freeze over, making the name particularly fitting.
Ақпан (Aqpan) – February
“Aqpan” is associated with the idea of deep snow or “snowdrift.” In many regions, February is marked by heavy snowfall, and the name reflects this harsh winter period.
Наурыз (Nauryz) – March
“Nauryz” originates from the Persian “Nowruz,” meaning “new day” or “new year.” This month celebrates the beginning of spring and is an important cultural and traditional holiday in Kazakhstan and throughout Central Asia.
Сәуір (Säuir) – April
The term “Säuir” is linked to the blossoming of nature, with April marking the time when plants begin to grow again after the winter. The name is derived from old Turkic roots signifying “awakening.”
Мамыр (Mamyr) – May
“Mamyr” comes from a Turkic word meaning “prosperous” or “abundant.” May is associated with the flourishing of greenery and the start of warmer weather.
Маусым (Mausym) – June
“Mausym” literally means “season” in Kazakh, and it marks the beginning of summer. This month is significant for agricultural activities and marks the start of the growing season.
Шілде (Shilde) – July
“Shilde” is derived from an old Turkic term related to “heat” or “hot weather.” July is typically the hottest month in Kazakhstan, making this name particularly appropriate.
Тамыз (Tamyz) – August
“Tamyz” is related to the harvesting period. The name may originate from the Turkic word for “to reap,” as August is a key month for gathering crops.
Қыркүйек (Qyrkúiek) – September
“Qyrkúiek” translates to “forty nights,” which is a traditional way to describe the transition from summer to autumn, when the nights become noticeably longer and cooler.
Қазан (Qazan) – October
The word “Qazan” is also the Kazakh word for “cauldron” or “pot.” This could symbolize the time of year when communities prepare to store food for the winter, or it may refer to the time of feasts after the harvest.
Қараша (Qarasha) – November
“Qarasha” is derived from “kara” meaning “black” or “dark.” November is when the days become short and the nights long, a dark period before the onset of winter.
Желтоқсан (Jeltoqsan) – December
The name “Jeltoqsan” combines “jel” (wind) and “toqsan” (ninety), possibly referring to the cold, windy days that characterize the last month of the year. The word also has historic significance due to the December 1986 student protests in Almaty, known as the Jeltoqsan events.
Why Learning the Months in Kazakh Matters
Understanding the names of the months in Kazakh not only helps learners master the basics of the language but also connects them to the traditions and worldview of the Kazakh people. Each name carries a story, reflecting the rhythms of nature and the life of the steppe. On Talkpal, the AI language learning blog, you can find more resources and interactive tools to help you remember these month names and use them in daily conversation.
Conclusion
Learning the Kazakh names for the months and their historical origins is a rewarding way to deepen your understanding of the language and culture. As you expand your Kazakh vocabulary with Talkpal, remember that each word is a window into the rich heritage of Kazakhstan. Start using these month names in your studies and conversations, and you will find yourself more connected to the language and its people.
