Top Kurdish idioms and expressions

Language is a window into the culture and soul of a community. The Kurdish language, with its rich history and vibrant heritage, is no exception. Through their idioms and expressions, the Kurdish people convey their wisdom, emotions, and unique perspectives.

An idiom is a phrase or expression that has a figurative meaning that differs from the literal interpretation of its individual words. However, Idioms are specific to a particular language or culture and are often used in informal or conversational settings. They add color, depth, and cultural context to language and are a way for people to communicate more vividly and expressively.

Idioms are an important part of language, as they reflect the shared experiences, beliefs, and values of a community. They can be challenging for non-native speakers to understand, as their meanings are not always immediately apparent.

In this blog, we will embark on a journey to explore some of the most fascinating and thought-provoking Kurdish idioms and expressions.

Here is the list of most common Kurdish idioms and expressions:

1- Bû? Filmê Hindî ye?

Dialect: General Kurdish

Region: Southern Kurdistan

Literal Translation: Why? What? is it an Indian movie?

We use this expression to say that something is very fake, or a scenario is as fake as Indian movies scenarios. The expression is new and originated in 1980s. The Kurds from Iraqi Kurdistan use this expression frequently to underestimate the one’s power. Despite being popular in Kurdistan Region, Indian movies are somehow perceived as fake, funny. Example

-so I travelled around the world in two minutes,

Haha, What! Was it an Indian movie? Is it an Indian movie you telling me?

2- Ev Maste mûyêkê têda, Aw Masta Mûyêkî têdaye.

Dialect: General Kurdish

Region: All parts of Kurdistan

Literal Translation: There is a hair in the Yugort.

We use this expression to indicate the presence of deception or deceit. Sometimes it’s used to say that things are not like they appear or something dishonest is happening.

However, Its English equivalent is ” I smell a rat”.

3- Dilt(çawt) bixuim, Dilê(çavên) te bixuim

Dilact: Sorani, Kurmanji

Region: All parts of Kurdistan

Literal Translation: ah, I will eat your heart(eyes)

We use this expression either to show our affection, or appreciation to someone who has done or said something good. Generally, In Kurdish society, it is common to use an expression involving eating someone’s body organ to convey a deep liking and appreciation for them based on something they have done or said. Example:

Though the game was tough, but I won the game.

Well done You did a great job !!! ( May I eat your heart)

4- Gwêz dejmêrt, Gwêzî bû dejmêrim

Dialect: Sorani

Kurmanji version: Pîvaza spîdike(Badini)

Region: Southern Kurdistan

Literal Translation: He/she is counting walnuts, I am counting walnuts for him/her.

He/she peels onions, I am peeling onions for him/her. (Kurmanji)

This idiom has multiple meanings and different situations to use. But basically It’s used when You try hard to explain something to someone but He/she can’t understand even little bit. And in another situation, we use this idiom to say that someone is doing something completely useless. Example:

-What is that boy doing over there ?

Nothing! (He’s counting walnuts).

5- Ser û Pêyan Dixwaze

Dialect:Kurmanji

Sorani version: Qunî bê mû dewêt

Region: Northern Kurdistan

Literal Translation: Asking for the head and foot. Asking/searching for a hairless butt(Sorani).

It refers to someone who is excessively demanding and asks to get something expensive very easily.

6- Mar xuî malî nebû, Mêwanîş hate serê

Dialect: Sorani(Hawleri)

Region: Eastern Kurdistan, Southern Kurdistan

Literal Translation: although Snake himself was homeless, but He got guests as well.

This expression is used to describe someone who, instead of resolving their problems and improving their situation, ends up encountering even more difficulties and problems.

7- Seyên(Kûçikên) Axayan jî, Axan e

Dialect:Kurmanji

Region: All parts Kurdistan

Literal Translation: though Dogs of squires are squirs too.

This idiom describes someone who holds a lower and less significant position in society, such as a peasant or a servant to a wealthy and influential individual. However, when among their fellow humble companions, this person boasts excessively and behaves as if they were of noble status.

8- Ne Baye Ne Baran

Dialect:Sorani

Kurmanji version: Buhare!

Region:Southern Kurdistan

Literal Translation: There is neither rain nor wind. It’s spring! (Kurmanji)

We use this expression to convey a state of complete obliviousness or ignorance towards the external world and the suffering that may be occurring around someone or ourselves.

Example:

So Did you know what happened to the classroom?

No?

Hmm, there is neither rain nor wind around you my friend! .

Kurmanji:

So Do you know what happened to our teacher?

No, I don’t know anything new.

However, my friend It’s spring by you.

Finally, These are just a few examples of the many idioms and expressions in the Kurdish language. So They reflect the rich cultural heritage and linguistic diversity of the Kurdish people.

If you think, That we have missed more common idioms. Please let’s us know in the comments section below :