Glossary of Kurdish Terms

(In alphabetical order)

 

Azadi: Freedom or liberty

Basaqa: Darling

Bashi: Are you okay?

Brinj: Rice

Choni: Hello. It can also mean ‘How are you?’

Daya: Mum

Dishdasha: A long robe with long sleeves, can be worn by women and men

Fasoliya: White bean stew served with either lamb or beef

Kichim: My daughter

Kooba: A side dish made with lamb or beef, they are usually rolled into a ball and filled with spices

Koorim: My son

Mam: Uncle

Mastaw: A traditional Kurdish drink made from yoghurt and water

Niskena: Lentil soup

Sar Chopi: A person who leads the traditional Kurdish dance known as Halparke

Shifta: Shifta is the Kurdish equivalent of a burger: a bite-sized, herby, tomatoey, well-seasoned burger that’s packed full of flavour

Taegeshti: Do you understand?

Yaprakh: Stuffed vine leaves