Basic Expressions of Agreement

In Kazakh, agreeing with someone can be conveyed in several ways. One of the simplest and most direct forms of agreement is the word “Иә”, which translates to “Yes” in English.

Мен сенімен келісемін (Men senimen kelisemin) directly translates to “I agree with you.” This phrase can be used in both formal and informal contexts. It is clear and shows direct affirmation to the speaker’s statement.

Another common expression is “Дұрыс айтасыз” (Duryis aitasiz) which means “You are right.” This is more commonly used in formal settings or when addressing someone with respect. It acknowledges the correctness of the other person’s statement or opinion.

Stronger Expressions of Agreement

To emphasize agreement strongly, you might use “Толықтай келісемін” (Tolyqtay kelisemin), which means “I completely agree.” This shows not just agreement but also strong support for what has been said.

“Рас, олай” (Ras, olay) translates to “Yes, exactly.” It’s used when you want to express that someone has exactly voiced your thoughts or opinions. It’s a handy phrase during discussions where precision of thought is appreciated.

Polite Disagreement

Disagreeing politely is just as important as agreeing. In Kazakh, you might say “Мен сенімен келіспеймін” (Men senimen kelispemin), meaning “I disagree with you.” This straightforward expression maintains politeness while clearly conveying disagreement.

For a softer approach, you can use “Менің ойымша, бұлай емес” (Menіng oyimsha, bulay emes), which translates to “In my opinion, it’s not like that.” This allows you to express disagreement without directly opposing the other person’s views.

Seeking Agreement

When you want to involve others in the discussion and seek their agreement, you might ask “Сенің ойыңша қалай?” (Senіng oyingsha qalay?) which means “What do you think?” It opens up the floor for others to agree or disagree, fostering a more interactive and engaging conversation.

Expressing Partial Agreement

Sometimes, you might find yourself partially agreeing with someone. In such cases, “Жартылай келісемін, бірақ…” (Zhartylay kelisemin, birak…) is useful, translating to “I partially agree, but…” This phrase allows you to acknowledge the parts you agree with while still presenting your reservations or differing views.

Agreeing to Disagree

At times, the best way to resolve a disagreement is to agree to disagree. The phrase “Біздің пікіріміз әр түрлі, келісейік” (Bizdіng pikіrіmіz ar turlі, keliseyik) which means “We have different opinions, let’s agree to disagree,” can be used. This expression is respectful and concludes disagreements amicably, acknowledging that consensus may not always be possible.

Conclusion

Mastering the art of agreeing and disagreeing in Kazakh not only enhances your linguistic skills but also enriches your interactions with native speakers. By using these phrases appropriately, you can engage in more meaningful conversations and express your opinions more clearly and effectively. Remember, practice is key in language learning, so try to use these phrases as often as possible to build your proficiency. Happy learning and speaking!