Mongolian Language Basics: 100 Essential Words and Phrases
GerTrainer
Introduction to Mongolian Language
Mongolian is a fascinating language spoken by over 5 million people worldwide, primarily in Mongolia. This guide provides you with 100 essential words and phrases that will help you navigate daily life in Mongolia, whether you're traveling, shopping, or meeting locals. The vocabulary is organized into logical categories to make learning easier and more effective. Each word includes pronunciation guides, cultural context, and usage examples to help you communicate confidently in Mongolian.
Greetings & Polite Expressions
Essential greetings and polite expressions for daily interactions in Mongolia
Сайн байна уу?
Sain baina uu?
Hello
Beginner
Usage: Formal greeting used throughout the day
Cultural Note: This is the most common and polite way to say hello in Mongolian
Сайн уу?
Sain uu?
Hi (informal)
Beginner
Usage: Informal greeting used with friends and family
Cultural Note: More casual than 'Сайн байна уу?' and should be used with people you know well
Өглөөний мэнд
Öglöönii mend
Good morning
Beginner
Usage: Used specifically in the morning hours
Cultural Note: Literally means 'morning blessing' and shows respect for the morning time
Өдрийн мэнд
Ödriin mend
Good afternoon
Beginner
Usage: Used during the afternoon hours
Cultural Note: Appropriate greeting for the middle part of the day
Оройн мэнд
Oroin mend
Good evening
Beginner
Usage: Used in the evening hours
Cultural Note: Polite evening greeting showing respect for the end of the day
Баяртай
Bayartai
Goodbye
Beginner
Usage: Standard farewell used when parting
Cultural Note: Literally means 'happiness' and is a warm way to say goodbye
Баярлалаа
Bayarlalaa
Thank you
Beginner
Usage: Standard expression of gratitude
Cultural Note: Essential phrase that shows good manners and respect
Маш их баярлалаа
Mash ikh bayarlalaa
Thank you very much
Beginner
Usage: Expresses deep gratitude
Cultural Note: Shows extra appreciation and is well-received by locals
Уучлаарай
Uuchlaarai
Excuse me / Sorry
Beginner
Usage: Used to apologize or get someone's attention
Cultural Note: Important phrase for showing politeness and respect
За
Za
Okay / Alright
Beginner
Usage: Casual agreement or acknowledgment
Cultural Note: Very common in daily conversation, shows understanding
Basic Conversation
Fundamental conversation phrases for everyday communication in Mongolian
Тийм
Tiim
Yes
Beginner
Usage: Affirmative response
Cultural Note: Simple and clear way to agree or confirm something
Үгүй
Ügüi
No
Beginner
Usage: Negative response
Cultural Note: Direct way to disagree or deny something
Магадгүй
Magadgüi
Maybe
Beginner
Usage: Expresses uncertainty or possibility
Cultural Note: Useful when you're not sure about something
Би ойлгосон
Bi oilgoson
I understand
Beginner
Usage: Confirms comprehension
Cultural Note: Shows that you're following the conversation
Би ойлгохгүй байна
Bi oilgokhgüi baina
I don't understand
Beginner
Usage: Expresses lack of comprehension
Cultural Note: Important phrase when you need help or clarification
Та англиар ярьж чадах уу?
Ta angliar yarij chadah uu?
Do you speak English?
Beginner
Usage: Asks if someone can communicate in English
Cultural Note: Useful fallback when Mongolian isn't sufficient
Жаахан
Jaakhan
A little
Beginner
Usage: Indicates small amount or limited ability
Cultural Note: Honest way to express your language level
Миний нэр …
Minii ner …
My name is …
Beginner
Usage: Self-introduction
Cultural Note: Essential for making connections with locals
Таны нэр хэн бэ?
Tanii ner khen be?
What's your name?
Beginner
Usage: Asks for someone's name
Cultural Note: Shows interest in getting to know someone
Танилцахад таатай байна
Taniltsakhad taatai baina
Nice to meet you
Beginner
Usage: Polite response when meeting someone
Cultural Note: Shows good manners and cultural awareness
Numbers
Essential numbers for counting, telling time, and basic mathematics in Mongolian
Нэг
Neg
One
Beginner
Usage: Basic counting and identification
Cultural Note: First number in Mongolian counting system
Хоёр
Khoyor
Two
Beginner
Usage: Counting pairs and basic arithmetic
Cultural Note: Common in traditional Mongolian culture for pairs
Гурав
Gurav
Three
Beginner
Usage: Counting and basic numbers
Cultural Note: Important number in Mongolian folklore
Дөрөв
Döröv
Four
Beginner
Usage: Counting and basic arithmetic
Cultural Note: Represents stability in Mongolian culture
Тав
Tav
Five
Beginner
Usage: Counting and basic numbers
Cultural Note: Significant number in traditional Mongolian beliefs
Зургаа
Zurgaa
Six
Beginner
Usage: Counting and basic arithmetic
Cultural Note: Common in daily counting activities
Долоо
Doloo
Seven
Beginner
Usage: Counting and basic numbers
Cultural Note: Lucky number in many cultures including Mongolian
Найм
Naim
Eight
Beginner
Usage: Counting and basic arithmetic
Cultural Note: Represents abundance in Mongolian symbolism
Ес
Yes
Nine
Beginner
Usage: Counting and basic numbers
Cultural Note: Important number in traditional Mongolian culture
Арван
Arvan
Ten
Beginner
Usage: Base number for counting system
Cultural Note: Foundation of the decimal counting system
Food & Drink
Essential food and beverage vocabulary for dining and shopping in Mongolia
Ус
Us
Water
Beginner
Usage: Basic necessity and most common drink
Cultural Note: Essential in Mongolia's dry climate
Цай
Tsai
Tea
Beginner
Usage: Traditional Mongolian drink, often with milk
Cultural Note: Tea is a central part of Mongolian hospitality
Кофе
Kofe
Coffee
Beginner
Usage: Modern beverage option in urban areas
Cultural Note: Becoming more popular in modern Mongolia
Сүү
Süü
Milk
Beginner
Usage: Essential dairy product in Mongolian diet
Cultural Note: Central to traditional nomadic lifestyle
Талх
Talkh
Bread
Beginner
Usage: Basic staple food
Cultural Note: Important in both traditional and modern diets
Мах
Makh
Meat
Beginner
Usage: Primary protein source in Mongolian diet
Cultural Note: Meat is central to traditional Mongolian cuisine
Хонины мах
Khoninii makh
Mutton
Beginner
Usage: Most common meat in traditional dishes
Cultural Note: Sheep are the most important livestock in Mongolia
Үхрийн мах
Ükhriin makh
Beef
Beginner
Usage: Alternative meat option
Cultural Note: Less common than mutton but still traditional
Загас
Zagas
Fish
Beginner
Usage: Less common but available protein source
Cultural Note: More common in northern regions with lakes
Гурил
Guril
Flour / noodles
Beginner
Usage: Basic ingredient for many dishes
Cultural Note: Essential for traditional dumplings and bread
Travel & Directions
Essential vocabulary for navigation and travel in Mongolia
Хот
Khot
City
Beginner
Usage: Referring to urban areas
Cultural Note: Mongolia has few major cities, mostly Ulaanbaatar
Зам
Zam
Road
Beginner
Usage: Basic navigation and travel
Cultural Note: Many roads in Mongolia are unpaved
Баруун
Baruun
Right
Beginner
Usage: Giving and following directions
Cultural Note: Important for navigation in unfamiliar areas
Зүүн
Züün
Left
Beginner
Usage: Giving and following directions
Cultural Note: Essential for getting around safely
Шууд
Shuud
Straight
Beginner
Usage: Giving directions
Cultural Note: Common instruction in Mongolian directions
Хаана байна?
Khaana baina?
Where is …?
Beginner
Usage: Asking for location of places
Cultural Note: Essential phrase for travelers
Энэ
Ene
This
Beginner
Usage: Pointing to nearby objects
Cultural Note: Common demonstrative in daily conversation
Тэр
Ter
That
Beginner
Usage: Pointing to distant objects
Cultural Note: Important for clear communication
Алга
Alga
Gone / not here
Beginner
Usage: Indicating absence
Cultural Note: Useful for finding people or objects
Хол
Khol
Far
Beginner
Usage: Describing distance
Cultural Note: Important in Mongolia's vast landscape
Shopping & Money
Essential vocabulary for shopping, bargaining, and financial transactions in Mongolia
Үнэ
Üne
Price
Beginner
Usage: Asking about cost of items
Cultural Note: Essential for shopping and bargaining
Энэ хэд вэ?
Ene khed ve?
How much is this?
Beginner
Usage: Common shopping question
Cultural Note: Important phrase for travelers and shoppers
Хямд
Khyamd
Cheap
Beginner
Usage: Describing affordable prices
Cultural Note: Useful for bargaining and finding good deals
Үнэтэй
Üntei
Expensive
Beginner
Usage: Describing high prices
Cultural Note: Important for budget-conscious travelers
Мөнгө
Möngö
Money
Beginner
Usage: General term for currency
Cultural Note: Essential for all financial transactions
Төгрөг
Tögrög
Tugrik (Mongolian currency)
Beginner
Usage: Referring to local currency
Cultural Note: Mongolia's official currency since 1925
Картаар төлж болох уу?
Kartaar tölzh bolokh uu?
Can I pay by card?
Beginner
Usage: Asking about payment methods
Cultural Note: Cards are accepted in urban areas but not everywhere
Бэлнээр
Belnereer
In cash
Beginner
Usage: Specifying payment method
Cultural Note: Cash is still preferred in many places
Хүсэж байна
Khüsej baina
I want
Beginner
Usage: Expressing desire for items
Cultural Note: Direct way to communicate shopping needs
Хүсэхгүй
Khüsekghüi
I don't want
Beginner
Usage: Declining offers or items
Cultural Note: Important for polite shopping interactions
Emergency & Health
Essential vocabulary for emergency situations and health-related communication in Mongolia
Туслаарай!
Tuslaarai!
Help!
Beginner
Usage: Emergency call for assistance
Cultural Note: Essential emergency phrase for travelers
Цагдаа
Tsagdaa
Police
Beginner
Usage: Referring to law enforcement
Cultural Note: Important for emergency situations
Эмч
Emch
Doctor
Beginner
Usage: Medical assistance
Cultural Note: Essential for health emergencies
Эмнэлэг
Emneleg
Hospital
Beginner
Usage: Medical facility
Cultural Note: Important to know location of nearest hospital
Өвдөж байна
Övdöj baina
I'm sick / hurt
Beginner
Usage: Describing health problems
Cultural Note: Essential for getting medical help
Өвчин
Övchin
Illness
Beginner
Usage: Referring to sickness
Cultural Note: Important medical vocabulary
Гал
Gal
Fire
Beginner
Usage: Emergency situation
Cultural Note: Important safety vocabulary
Аюулгүй
Ayuulgüi
Safe
Beginner
Usage: Describing safety
Cultural Note: Important for reassurance
Аюултай
Ayultai
Dangerous
Beginner
Usage: Warning about hazards
Cultural Note: Essential safety vocabulary
Осол
Osol
Accident
Beginner
Usage: Describing incidents
Cultural Note: Important for emergency communication
Accommodation
Essential vocabulary for finding and staying in accommodations in Mongolia
Буудал
Boodal
Hotel
Beginner
Usage: Referring to accommodation
Cultural Note: Hotels are common in urban areas
Өрөө
Öröö
Room
Beginner
Usage: Referring to accommodation space
Cultural Note: Basic accommodation vocabulary
Нэг ор
Neg or
Single bed
Beginner
Usage: Describing room type
Cultural Note: Common accommodation option
Хоёр ор
Khoyor or
Double bed
Beginner
Usage: Describing room type
Cultural Note: Popular choice for couples
Захиалга
Zakhiagla
Reservation
Beginner
Usage: Booking accommodation
Cultural Note: Important for planning trips
Ариун цэврийн өрөө
Ariun tsevriin öröö
Toilet
Beginner
Usage: Basic facility
Cultural Note: Essential accommodation vocabulary
Шүршүүр
Shürshüür
Shower
Beginner
Usage: Bathroom facility
Cultural Note: Modern accommodation feature
Халуун ус
Khaluun us
Hot water
Beginner
Usage: Describing water temperature
Cultural Note: Important for comfort in cold climate
Хүйтэн ус
Khüiten us
Cold water
Beginner
Usage: Describing water temperature
Cultural Note: Common in many accommodations
Өглөөний цай
Öglöönii tsai
Breakfast
Beginner
Usage: Morning meal
Cultural Note: Often included in accommodation
Common Verbs
Essential action words for daily communication in Mongolian
Очих
Ochikh
To go
Beginner
Usage: Basic movement verb
Cultural Note: Essential for travel and daily activities
Ирэх
Irekh
To come
Beginner
Usage: Basic movement verb
Cultural Note: Important for meeting arrangements
Харах
Kharakh
To see
Beginner
Usage: Basic perception verb
Cultural Note: Essential for observation and communication
Өгөх
Ögökh
To give
Beginner
Usage: Basic action verb
Cultural Note: Important for social interactions
Авах
Avakh
To take / buy
Beginner
Usage: Basic action verb
Cultural Note: Essential for shopping and daily activities
Уух
Uukh
To drink
Beginner
Usage: Basic consumption verb
Cultural Note: Important for dining and hospitality
Идэх
Idek
To eat
Beginner
Usage: Basic consumption verb
Cultural Note: Essential for dining and food-related activities
Амрах
Amrakh
To rest
Beginner
Usage: Basic activity verb
Cultural Note: Important for travel and daily life
Ажиллах
Ajillakh
To work
Beginner
Usage: Basic activity verb
Cultural Note: Essential for professional interactions
Ярих
Yarikh
To speak
Beginner
Usage: Basic communication verb
Cultural Note: Fundamental for language learning
Other Essentials
Additional essential vocabulary for daily life and cultural understanding in Mongolia
Гэр
Ger
Home / traditional yurt
Beginner
Usage: Referring to traditional dwelling
Cultural Note: Symbol of traditional Mongolian nomadic lifestyle
Найз
Naiz
Friend
Beginner
Usage: Referring to companions
Cultural Note: Friendship is highly valued in Mongolian culture
Хүн
Khün
Person
Beginner
Usage: Referring to people
Cultural Note: Basic human reference term
Машин
Mashin
Car
Beginner
Usage: Modern transportation
Cultural Note: Common in urban areas
Автобус
Avtobus
Bus
Beginner
Usage: Public transportation
Cultural Note: Main form of public transport in cities
Онгоц
Ongots
Airplane
Beginner
Usage: Air travel
Cultural Note: Important for international travel
Өнөөдөр
Önöödör
Today
Beginner
Usage: Referring to current day
Cultural Note: Essential time reference
Маргааш
Margaash
Tomorrow
Beginner
Usage: Referring to next day
Cultural Note: Important for planning
Өчигдөр
Öchigdör
Yesterday
Beginner
Usage: Referring to previous day
Cultural Note: Essential time reference
Одоо
Odoo
Now
Beginner
Usage: Referring to present moment
Cultural Note: Important temporal reference
Practice Makes Perfect
Learning these 100 essential Mongolian words and phrases will give you a solid foundation for basic communication in Mongolia. Remember that pronunciation is key - practice speaking these words aloud and don't be afraid to make mistakes. Locals will appreciate your effort to speak their language, even if it's not perfect. Start with the greetings and basic phrases, then gradually add more vocabulary as you become comfortable. With practice and patience, you'll be able to navigate Mongolia with confidence and connect more deeply with the local culture. Use this guide as a starting point and continue building your Mongolian language skills through conversation and cultural immersion.
