Hello in Khasi (audio added)

An informal/semi-formal conversation between Bari and Kut (who may know each other):

Bari: Kumno?

Kut: Nga biang, phi pat?

Bari: Nga ruh nga biang.

 

A semi-formal conversation between Bari and Rang (who don’t know each other yet):

Bari: Khublei, kumno phi long?

Rang: Nga biang, phi pat?

Bari: Nga ruh nga biang.

 

A formal conversation between Rang and Kut (who do not know each other):

Rang: Khublei ïaphi, phi long kumno?

Kut: Khublei ïaphi ruh, nga khlaiñ, phi pat?

Rang: Nga ruh nga khlaiñ.

 

Audio:

The above conversations with thought for thought translations:

An informal/semi-formal conversation between Bari and Kut (who know each other):

Bari: Kumno? (Hi/Hello, how are you?)

Kut: Nga biang, phi pat? (I’m fine, and you?)

Bari: Nga ruh nga biang. (I too am fine.)

 

A semi-formal conversation between Bari and Rang (who don’t know each other yet):

Bari: Khublei, kumno phi long? (Hello, how are you?)

Rang: Nga biang, phi pat? (I’m fine[1], what about you?)

Bari: Nga ruh nga biang. (I’m fine too!)

 

A formal conversation between Rang and Kut (who don’t know each other):

Rang: Khublei ïaphi, phi long kumno? (Hello to you, how are you?)

Kut: Khublei ïaphi ruh, nga khlaiñ. Phi pat? (Hello to you too, I’m fine, what about you?)

Rang: Nga ruh nga khlaiñ. (I too am fine.)

 

Notes:

There is no exact equivalent to the English “hi” and “hello” in the Khasi language. The closest in current usage are the words, “khublei” and “kumno?” They are acceptable functions for “hi” and “hello” in the Khasi language. They are, presently, standard salutations in Khasi for all formal, semi-formal and informal occasions.

Even though “khublei” is regularly used as a function for expressing thanks, it is to be considered a contraction of, "U Blei un kyrkhu ïa phi!"[2] Which carries the meaning, "God will bless you!" The word “khublei” may be used in formal and semi-formal conversations. Occasionally, it may be used in informal situations.

"Kumno?" is a question. It stands for, “How?” It is, in turn, a short form of, “Kumno phi long?” which is, “How are you?” in English. One may use “kumno” in all informal situations and a few formal and semi-formal conversations. “Kumno?” perfectly stands in for the whole of, “Hello, how are you?”

“Biang” is a function for okay or fine or healthy in the above conversations. Healthy, because the questions, “Kumno phi long?” and “Phi long kumno?” also refers to the health of a person. Most often, the meaning in the question is about the health of a person. This may be the case because the Khasi culture leans more towards concrete ideas than abstract concepts. It means “nothing is missing, complete, full”, and even “peace among all parties”.[3] Yet, because of outside influence the function of such words may now include fine or okay.

“Khlaiñ” is a function for okay or fine or healthy for the same reason as “biang” above. There may be a slight indication that, “khlaiñ” is more formal, but both “biang” and “khlaiñ” may be used in any of the above conversations.

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[1] The missing, “thank you,” as in English conversations may be understood from the acknowledgement, “Nga biang, phi pat?”.

[2] Ïarington Kharkongor, “Khublei,” in Ka Dienshonhi: The Khasi Encyclopaedic Dictionary (Darkos Nongkhlaw: Shillong, 2013), 79.

[3] Ibid.