Greetings

1. Azul

   Hello

   Usage

   The basic Kabyle greeting, usable at any time of day with strangers and friends alike

   Grammar Note

   A one-word greeting. "Azulen" is sometimes used for several people. It is the secular Amazigh greeting, not a translation of the Arabic "Ssalamu ɛlikum".

2. Amek telliḍ?

   How are you?

   Usage

   The standard follow-up to a greeting; the same form for a man or a woman

   Grammar Note

   The 2sg verb ending -eḍ does not mark gender. For several women use "Amek tellamt?"; for several men "Amek tellam?" (by rule).

3. Yelha, tanemmirt

   Fine, thank you

   Usage

   A reply to "how are you": "good, thanks"

4. Tanemmirt tameqqṛant

   Thank you very much

   Usage

   A warmer way to express thanks

   Grammar Note

   Literally "great thanks"; the adjective is feminine to agree with "tanemmirt". With the addressee: "Tanemmirt-ik s uqeṭar!" (to a man). Also spelled "tameqrant".

5. Ar tufat

   Goodbye

   Usage

   The standard way to say goodbye

   Grammar Note

   Adding "ihi" gives a lighter "so, see you".

6. Tameddit yelhan

   Good evening

   Usage

   A greeting for the evening

7. Iḍ ameggaz

   Good night

   Usage

   Said before going to bed or when parting at night

8. Ass yelhan

   Have a good day

   Usage

   Wishes someone a good day, in the morning or when parting

   Grammar Note

   No fixed "good morning" form was verified, so this is offered in its place.

9. Ansuf yis-k

   Welcome

   Usage

   A greeting for a guest; the form for a man

   Grammar Note

   For a woman: "Ansuf yis-m". The single word "Ansuf" also works.

10. Ur ttmeslayeɣ ara taqbaylit

    I can't speak Kabyle

    Usage

    To say you do not speak Kabyle

    Grammar Note

    Composed on that pattern, so it needs native review.

11. Ɣur-k

    Take care

    Usage

    Said when parting or to urge caution

    Grammar Note

    For a woman "Ɣur-m".

12. Amulli ameggaz!

    Happy birthday!

    Usage

    Wishes someone a happy birthday

    Grammar Note

    Literally "good birthday".

13. S tezmert-ik!

    Cheers!

    Usage

    Said when raising a glass or to someone about to eat

    Grammar Note

    Literally "with your strength". For a woman "S tezmert-im".

14. Ferḥeɣ imi k-id-mlaleɣ

    Nice to meet you

    Usage

    Expresses pleasure on meeting someone for the first time

    Grammar Note

    "Ferḥeɣ imi kent-id-mlaleɣ" is addressed to several women; for one woman use "kem-id-mlaleɣ" (by rule).

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