Verified Facts
The primary languages spoken in Kazakhstan are Kazakh and Russian, with Kazakh being the official language and Russian widely used as a lingua franca.
Quick Facts
Language Overview
Kazakhstan's linguistic landscape is characterized by the dominance of Kazakh and Russian, with other languages such as English, German, and Turkish also being spoken. The country's geography and history have contributed to the development of regional dialects, with the northern regions having a stronger Russian influence and the southern regions having a stronger Kazakh influence. Minority languages such as Uyghur, Uzbek, and Tajik are also spoken in various parts of the country. English is not widely understood, particularly outside of major cities like Astana and Almaty, and visitors may need to rely on Russian or Kazakh to communicate.
The use of language in Kazakhstan is closely tied to the country's cultural and social context. For example, Kazakh is often used in formal situations and official government business, while Russian is more commonly used in informal settings and in business. The country's language policy has also been influenced by its history as a former Soviet republic, with Russian having been the dominant language during the Soviet era. Today, the Kazakh government is working to promote the use of Kazakh as the primary language, while also recognizing the importance of Russian and other languages in the country's linguistic landscape.
Despite the challenges of communicating in Kazakhstan, visitors can still get by with some basic knowledge of Kazakh and Russian phrases. Many younger Kazakhs and those in the tourism industry are learning English, and some restaurants and hotels may have English-speaking staff. However, it is still a good idea for visitors to learn some basic phrases in Kazakh and Russian to help navigate everyday situations.
Essential Phrases
| English | Local Language | Pronunciation | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hello | Сәлем (Kazakh), Здравствуйте (Russian) | sa-lem, zdrah-stvooy-tye | formal |
| Thank you | Рахмет (Kazakh), Спасибо (Russian) | rakh-met, spa-see-bah | |
| Please | Өтінемін (Kazakh), Пожалуйста (Russian) | oh-tee-neh-meen, pah-zhahl-stah | |
| Yes / No | Иә (Kazakh), Да/Нет (Russian) | ee-ah, dah/nyet | |
| Excuse me | Кешіріңіз (Kazakh), Извините (Russian) | keh-shee-reeng-ez, eez-vee-nee-tay | |
| How much? | Қанша? (Kazakh), Сколько? (Russian) | kahn-shah, skohl-koh | |
| Where is...? | Қайда? (Kazakh), Где? (Russian) | kai-dah, gdeh | |
| I don't understand | Мен түсінбеймін (Kazakh), Я не понимаю (Russian) | mehn too-seen-bay-meem, yah nee pah-nee-mah-yoo | |
| Do you speak English? | Сіз ағылшын тілін білесіз бе? (Kazakh), Говорите ли вы на английском? (Russian) | seez ah-ghul-shin tee-leen bee-leh-seez beh, gah-vah-ree-tay lee vy nah ahng-lee-y-skohm | |
| Help! | Жәрдем! (Kazakh), Помогите! (Russian) | zhah-reh-dem, pah-mah-gee-tay | |
| Goodbye | Қош болыңыз (Kazakh), До свидания (Russian) | kohsh boh-leeng-ez, dah svee-dah-nee-yah | formal |
| Sorry | Кешіріңіз (Kazakh), Извините (Russian) | keh-shee-reeng-ez, eez-vee-nee-tay |
Numbers & Bargaining
| Number | Local Word | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Бір (Kazakh), Один (Russian) | beer, ah-deen |
| 2 | Екі (Kazakh), Два (Russian) | eh-kee, dvah |
| 3 | Үш (Kazakh), Три (Russian) | oosh, tree |
| 4 | Төрт (Kazakh), Четыре (Russian) | tohr-t, chye-tee-reh |
| 5 | Бес (Kazakh), Пять (Russian) | behs, pyat |
| 6 | Алты (Kazakh), Шесть (Russian) | ahl-tee, shehst |
| 7 | Жеті (Kazakh), Семь (Russian) | zhay-tee, syem |
| 8 | Сегіз (Kazakh), Восемь (Russian) | seh-geez, vah-sehm |
| 9 | Төбе (Kazakh), Девять (Russian) | toh-beh, deh-vyat |
| 10 | Он (Kazakh), Десять (Russian) | ohn, dee-syat |
| 100 | Жүз (Kazakh), Сто (Russian) | zhooz, stoh |
| 1000 | Мың (Kazakh), Тысяча (Russian) | muhng, tih-syah-chah |
Communication Tips
- When interacting with locals, it's customary to use formal language and titles such as "Mr." or "Ms." until you are explicitly invited to use first names.
- Avoid using gestures that involve the left hand, as this is considered impolite in Kazakh culture.
- When communicating with older Kazakhs, it's a good idea to use more formal language and show respect by using titles and honorifics.
- If you need help, don't hesitate to ask a local or a police officer for assistance.
- Learn some basic Kazakh phrases to show respect for the culture and people.
- Be patient and don't get frustrated if you encounter language barriers - many Kazakhs are eager to help visitors and will try to communicate using gestures and simple language.
- When bargaining at markets, it's customary to haggle and negotiate prices - start with a lower offer and work your way up to a mutually acceptable price.
Translation Tools & Resources
- Download a translation app such as Google Translate or iTranslate to help with language barriers.
- Carry a phrasebook or dictionary to help with basic communication.
- Take a language course or use online resources to learn some basic Kazakh and Russian phrases before your trip.
- Look for restaurants and hotels that have English-speaking staff or menus to make communication easier.
- Consider hiring a guide or interpreter to help with communication and navigation during your trip.