It is always good to speak a few words in the language of your host’s country. Ladakhi – the language of the people of Ladakh – isn’t that easy to learn, but on the other hand you do not have to know it perfectly. It is enough to speak a few words and you will quickly make friends. Also you show by speaking a few words in Ladakhi that you appreciate the host’s culture.
The 20 most important words and phrases in Ladakhi
JULLEY [dschu-leh] The most powerful word of the ladakhi language. It is so much more than one word in english. It means: HELLO, BYE, THANK YOU, PLEASE. A simple, yet strong word to build friendships.
KHAMSANG-IN-A-LEY? [or short: khamsang-ley?]
How are you? Note: The suffix “ley” at the end of a sentence makes everything sound a bit more polite. You can use it as often as you like! You can not do anything wrong with it!
KHAMSANG-LEY!
I am fine.
DON-LEY!
Please eat/take! Especially when invited by ladakhi families you will hear this term very often. It is part of the ladakhi etiquette to “force” their guests to eat/drink.
MAN-LEY.
No, thanks!
D(r)IK-LEY.
It is enough!
DANGS-LEY.
I am full.
O-LEY.
Yes, please.
TSAPIK-LEY.
A little bit, please.
SHIMPO RAK-LEY!
It is delicious.
NYERANGI-MING CHI IN-LEY?
What is your name?
NGE-MING … IN-LEY.
My name is …
NYERANG KANE IN-LEY?
From where are you?
NGA Germany/Austria/Switzerland-NE IN-LEY.
I am from Germany/Austria/Switzerland.
KULE-KULE!
Slowly-slowly!
NGA GO-A ZUMO RAK.
I have headache.
NGA TODPA-A ZUMO RAK.
I have tummy ache.
NGA TUTU-A ZUMO RAK.
I have throat pain.
LAM (place)-A KANE INOK-LEY?
Where is the way to (place)?
(LADAKH)MAA LDEMO DUK-LEY.
(Ladakh) it is beautiful.