Learning a new language can be an enriching experience, especially when you dive into the cultural aspects that come with it. One of the best ways to connect with any culture is through its celebrations. In this article, we will explore essential Kazakh holiday and festival vocabulary, giving you a toolkit of terms and phrases to help you join in the festivities like a local.
General Holiday Vocabulary
Before we jump into specific holidays, let’s cover some general terms that you’ll find useful for any celebration.
1. Мереке (Mereke) – Holiday.
– Қазақстанда жаңа жыл – ең үлкен мереке. (In Kazakhstan, New Year is the biggest holiday.)
2. Той (Toy) – Celebration, often used for weddings and birthdays.
– Біздің отбасымызда той болады. (We will have a celebration in our family.)
3. Жиын (Zhiyn) – Gathering.
– Достарыммен жиынға барамын. (I am going to a gathering with my friends.)
4. Сыйлық (Syilyq) – Gift.
– Туған күніңе не сыйлық алғың келеді? (What gift would you like for your birthday?)
5. Отшашу (Otshashu) – Fireworks.
– Тәуелсіздік күнінде отшашу көрсетіледі. (Fireworks are displayed on Independence Day.)
Nauryz – Kazakh New Year
Nauryz, celebrated on March 21st, marks the beginning of the new year according to the solar calendar. It’s a time of renewal and joy.
1. Наурыз көже (Nauryz kozhe) – Traditional Nauryz dish.
– Наурызда біз Наурыз көже дайындаймыз. (For Nauryz, we prepare Nauryz kozhe.)
2. Жыл басы (Zhil basy) – Beginning of the year.
– Наурыз – қазақтардың жыл басы. (Nauryz is the beginning of the year for Kazakhs.)
3. Ұлыстың ұлы күні (Ulystyn uly kuni) – The great day of the nation.
– Наурызда Ұлыстың ұлы күнін тойлаймыз. (During Nauryz, we celebrate the great day of the nation.)
Kurban Ait – Feast of Sacrifice
Kurban Ait, also known as Eid al-Adha in the Islamic world, is another significant celebration in Kazakhstan.
1. Құрбан шалу (Qurban shalu) – The act of sacrifice.
– Құрбан Айтта мал құрбан шаламыз. (We sacrifice an animal on Kurban Ait.)
2. Дұға (Duga) – Prayer.
– Құрбан Айт күні таңертең дұға оқиды. (On the day of Kurban Ait, we pray in the morning.)
3. Әдет-ғұрып (Adet-guryp) – Tradition.
– Бұл әдет-ғұрып біздің отбасымыз үшін маңызды. (This tradition is important for our family.)
Independence Day – Tәуелсіздік күні
Celebrated on December 16th, this day marks Kazakhstan’s independence from the Soviet Union in 1991.
1. Тәуелсіздік күні (Täwelsizdik küni) – Independence Day.
– Тәуелсіздік күнінде біз бостандықты атап өтеміз. (On Independence Day, we celebrate freedom.)
2. Парад (Parad) – Parade.
– Тәуелсіздік күнінде Астанада үлкен парад болады. (There is a big parade in Astana on Independence Day.)
3. Концерт (Kontsert) – Concert.
– Тәуелсіздік күні концерттер өтеді. (Concerts are held on Independence Day.)
Other Celebratory Terms
To round off your holiday vocabulary, here are a few more terms that might come in handy during Kazakh celebrations.
1. Тост (Tost) – Toast.
– Ол тамаша тост айтты. (He gave a wonderful toast.)
2. Би (Bi) – Dance.
– Барлық адамдар би биледі. (Everyone dances.)
3. Ән (An) – Song.
– Ол ән айтып жатыр. (She is singing a song.)
By familiarizing yourself with these terms, you not only enhance your language skills but also deepen your understanding of Kazakh culture and traditions. Whether you’re planning to visit Kazakhstan during a major holiday or simply want to engage more deeply with Kazakh friends, this vocabulary will surely enrich your experience.
