Learning a new language opens up new horizons and insights into the culture and mentality of its speakers. For those embarking on the journey of learning Belarusian, familiarizing oneself with the basic questions and inquiry phrases is crucial. This will not only aid in communication but also build a strong foundation for further language development. Here we explore some essential questions and inquiry phrases in Belarusian, along with their definitions and examples.

Што? (Shto?) – What?
This word is used to inquire about the nature or identity of something or to ask for a repetition of something not heard or understood.
Што гэта такое?
(What is this?)

Хто? (Khto?) – Who?
Used to ask about someone’s identity or to inquire about people.
Хто гэтае кнігу?
(Who wrote this book?)

Калі? (Kali?) – When?
This term is used to ask about time, whether it’s asking for a specific time or a general timeframe.
Калі мы сустрэнемся?
(When will we meet?)

Дзе? (Dze?) – Where?
Used to inquire about location or direction.
Дзе бібліятэка?
(Where is the library?)

Чаму? (Chamu?) – Why?
This question word is seeking the reason or explanation for something.
Чаму ты сумуеш?
(Why are you sad?)

Як? (Yak?) – How?
Used to ask about the manner or way in which something is done.
Як ты гэта зрабіў?
(How did you do it?)

Ці? (Tsi?) – Or?
Its main use is to offer options or alternatives when asking a question.
Ты хочаш каву ці чай?
(Do you want coffee or tea?)

Колькі? (Kolkі?) – How much/How many?
Used to ask about quantity or amount of something.
Колькі гэта каштуе?
(How much does it cost?)

Які? (Yakі?) – What kind/Which?
This term is used when seeking to classify something or asking for specifics among similar items.
Які каляр табе падабаецца больш?
(What color do you like more?)

Якія? (Yakiya?) – What kind/those?
The plural form of “Які”, it’s used to ask about classifications or specifics among groups of items.
Якія кнігі ты чытаеш?
(What books are you reading?)

Ці ёсць…? (Tsi yosts’…?) – Is there/Are there…?
It is often used to inquire about the existence or presence of something.
Ці ёсць у вас сталовыя лыжкі?
(Do you have any dining spoons?)

Адкуль? (Adkul?) – Where from?
It asks about the origin or starting point of something or someone.
Адкуль ты?
(Where are you from?)

Куды? (Kudy?) – Where to?
This inquires about the destination or end point.
Куды ты ідзеш?
(Where are you going?)

Навошта? (Navoshta?) – For what purpose?
This is used when asking about the purpose or intent behind an action.
Навошта ты купіў гэтае букет?
(For what purpose did you buy this bouquet?)

Understanding these question and inquiry phrases is invaluable for any learner on the path to mastering Belarusian. It allows one to engage in basic dialogue, express curiosity, and understand responses. Practice integrating these phrases into your everyday conversations in Belarusian, and you will soon find them to be a natural part of your language repertoire. Keep exploring, asking questions, and immerse yourself in the richness of the Belarusian language.