Question Words

1. Näme?

   What?

   Usage

   The shortest question word; pair it with pointing

   Grammar Note

   Turkmen question words sit near the end of the clause; the word order is subject-object-verb.

2. Nirede?

   Where?

   Usage

   Asks for a place; add a place name and you are understood

   Grammar Note

   "nirede" asks where something is; "nirä" asks where to, for destinations.

3. Haçan?

   When?

   Usage

   For departure times or opening times

4. Kim?

   Who?

   Usage

   Asks about a person, e.g. who is in charge

5. Näme üçin?

   Why?

   Usage

   Asks for a reason, e.g. a delay or a refusal

   Grammar Note

   Literally "for what"; "Näme sebäpden?" (for what reason) means the same.

6. Nädip?

   How?

   Usage

   Asks for a method, including how to get somewhere

   Grammar Note

   "nädip" asks by what means; "nähili" asks what something is like.

7. Näçe sany?

   How many?

   Usage

   Asks for a count of items or people

   Grammar Note

   "sany" is the counter for objects; for people say "Näçe adam?".

8. Bu näçe?

   How much is it?

   Usage

   The key price question, in markets and shops alike

   Grammar Note

   To name the currency say "Bu näçe manat?"; the manat is Turkmenistan's currency.

9. Haýsy?

   Which one?

   Usage

   Used to pick from, or point at, a set of options

10. Bu näme?

    What is this?

    Usage

    Point at a dish or product and ask what it is

    Grammar Note

    Turkmen has no copula here: "Bu näme?" is already a complete sentence.

11. Hajathana nirede?

    Where is the toilet?

    Usage

    One of the most-used questions on any trip

12. Sagat näçe?

    What time is it?

    Usage

    Asks the current time, handy when making a connection

    Grammar Note

    "sagat" means both a clock and an o'clock hour.

13. Barmy?

    Do you have it?

    Usage

    Asks about stock or availability; name the item first

    Grammar Note

    "bar" (there is) plus the question suffix "-my"; the negative answer is "Ýok".

14. Edip bilersiňizmi?

    Can you do it?

    Usage

    Asks whether something is possible or allowed

    Grammar Note

    The "-p bil-" construction expresses ability; "bilersiňiz" is the polite plural.

15. Töleglimi?

    Is there a charge?

    Usage

    Check whether luggage storage, Wi-Fi, etc. costs money

    Grammar Note

    "töleg" (payment) plus "-li" (having) plus the question suffix "-mi".

16. Mugtmy?

    Is it free?

    Usage

    Confirms something is free, e.g. samples or a map

17. Bolýarmy?

    Is this OK?

    Usage

    Used to ask for permission; pair it with pointing

18. Bolmaýarmy?

    Is it not allowed?

    Usage

    Used to double-check after being refused

19. Ýagdaýyňyz gowumy?

    Are you OK?

    Usage

    Used to check on someone's wellbeing, unlike "Bolýarmy?" which asks permission

20. Dogrumy?

    Really?

    Usage

    Used to confirm something surprising

21. Takygmy?

    Are you sure?

    Usage

    Reconfirms a fact; more formal than "Dogrumy?"

22. Siz nireden?

    Where are you from?

    Usage

    A good conversation opener

23. Adyňyz näme?

    What's your name?

    Usage

    A good conversation opener

24. Ýaşyňyz näçe?

    How old are you?

    Usage

    Asking someone's age, especially a woman's or a stranger's, can be considered impolite. Best reserved for once you know someone or as a mark of respect toward elders

25. Bile surata düşsek bolarmy?

    Can we take a photo together?

    Usage

    Used to ask for permission

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