Afghanistan’s cities and countryside have long been centers of trade, hospitality, and everyday life where a few local words can open doors and ease travel. Whether you’re collecting tea with a host, haggling at a market, or asking directions, knowing simple phrases makes your trip smoother and more respectful.
There are 30 Useful Phrases for Tourists in Afghanistan, ranging from Airport to Yes. For each phrase you’ll find below a clear layout organized by Language, Native script, Transliteration so you can read, listen, and practice before you go — you’ll find below practical entries ready to use.
Which phrases should I learn first for everyday travel in Afghanistan?
Start with basic greetings, polite markers (please, thank you), numbers, and key questions like “Where is…?” and “How much?” These cover taxis, markets, and simple directions; from Airport to Yes the list prioritizes what most travelers use first so you can communicate essentials immediately.
Are the transliterations reliable for pronunciation?
Transliterations are simplified to help non-native speakers approximate sounds; they work well for basic comprehension and polite exchanges, but listening to native speakers (audio or practice with locals) will give the best guidance for accurate pronunciation.
Useful Phrases for Tourists in Afghanistan
| Phrase (EN) | Language | Native script | Transliteration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hello | Both | سلام | Salam (sah-LAM) |
| Good morning | Both | صبح بخیر | Sobh bekhair (sohb beh-KHAIR) |
| Good evening | Both | شب بخیر | Shab bekhair (shahb beh-KHAIR) |
| How are you? | Both | حال شما چطور است؟ | Haal-e shomaa chetor ast? (haal-eh sho-MAA che-TOR) |
| Please | Both | لطفاً | Lotfan (lot-FAN) |
| Thank you | Both | تشکر / ممنون | Tashakkur / Mamnoon (tah-shahk-KOOR / mam-NOON) |
| Sorry / Excuse me | Both | ببخشید | Bebakhshid (beh-bakh-SHEED) |
| Yes | Both | بله / هو / آو | Bale / Ho / Ao (bah-LEH / ho / ow) |
| No | Both | نه | Na (nah) |
| Where is…? | Both | کجاست …؟ | Kojā ast…? (ko-JAA ast) |
| How much? | Both | این چند است؟ | In chand ast? (een chand ast) |
| I don’t understand | Both | من نفهمیدم | Man nafahmidam (man na-fah-MEE-dam) |
| Toilet? | Both | دستشویی کجاست؟ | Dastshuyi kojā ast? (dasht-shoo-YEE ko-JAA ast) |
| Help! / Please help | Both | کمک کنید / یار! | Komak konid / Yaar! (ko-MAK ko-NEED / YAAR) |
| I need a doctor | Both | من داکتر میخواهم | Man doktor mikhāham (man dok-TOR mee-KHA-ham) |
| Call the police | Both | پولیس را فرا بخوانید | Polis rā farā khānid (po-LEES rah fa-RAA kha-NEED) |
| Left | Both | چپ | Chap (chap) |
| Right | Both | راست | Rāst / Rast (rahst) |
| Straight | Both | مستقیم | Mostaqim (mos-ta-KEEM) |
| Take me to… | Both | مرا به … برسانید | Mara be … beresānid (mah-rah beh … beh-reh-sah-NEED) |
| Airport | Both | فرودگاه | Forudgāh (foh-rood-GAH) |
| Bazaar | Both | بازار | Bāzār (ba-ZAAR) |
| Water | Both | آب | Āb (aab) |
| Tea please | Both | چای لطفاً | Chāy lotfan (chai lot-FAN) |
| I’m lost | Both | من گم شدم | Man gum shudam (man gum shoo-DAM) |
| I am vegetarian | Both | من گیاهخوارم | Man giyāh-khoram (man gi-YAH-kho-ram) |
| I have an allergy | Both | من آلرژی دارم | Man alergi dāram (man al-ER-jee DAR-am) |
| Do you speak English? | Both | آیا انگلیسی بلد هستید؟ | Āyā englisi balad hastid? (ah-YAA eng-LEE-see ba-LAD has-TEED) |
| Do you have…? | Both | آیا دارید …؟ | Āyā dārid…? (ah-YAA daa-REED) |
| Can you lower the price? | Both | قیمت را کم کنید؟ | Qīmat rā kam konid? (qee-MAT rah kam ko-NEED) |
Descriptions
Hello
A common greeting used across Afghanistan. Say when entering shops or meeting people: ‘Salam.’ Formal and informal; a respectful, neutral opener. In conservative areas men often shake hands; women usually nod or place hand on heart.
Good morning
Say in mornings to shopkeepers, guests or guides. Polite, friendly opener that shows respect. Often followed by ‘Haal-e shomaa?’ In many Afghan settings morning greetings start conversations and build rapport before asking questions.
Good evening
Used after sunset when meeting or leaving a gathering. Respectful and common in cities and villages. Guests often say it when visiting homes; elders appreciate the polite time-specific greeting. Smile while saying it.
How are you?
Polite conversational opener after greetings. Expect a brief reply like ‘khub’ (good). Use with shopkeepers or hosts; asking shows interest, but keep tone light and not overly personal with strangers.
Please
Standard polite word used when asking for help, directions, or ordering food. Simple and widely understood; adding it softens requests. Pronounced ‘lot-fan’ with stress on second syllable. Common across Dari and Pashto speakers.
Thank you
Express gratitude after a service, meal, or help. Both forms are common: ‘tashakkur’ and ‘mamnoon.’ Saying thanks is expected; a small smile or nod enhances warmth. Use freely in markets and homes.
Sorry / Excuse me
Useful when bumping into someone, interrupting, or attracting attention. Polite and formal; in crowded bazaars a quick ‘bebakhshid’ opens space or apologizes for mistakes. Also used to get a server’s attention.
Yes
Simple affirmation used to agree or confirm. Dari speakers say ‘bale’, Pashto speakers say ‘ao’ or ‘ho’. Use in markets or when accepting offers; short, clear replies help avoid confusion in noisy bazaars and transport hubs.
No
Basic refusal or negative answer. ‘Na’ is short and widely understood. Be polite—follow with a smile or brief reason in markets to keep negotiations friendly. Avoid bluntness with elders. Use gently.
Where is…?
Essential for asking directions: ‘Kojā ast [place]?’ Use with landmarks like ‘hotel’, ‘bazaar’, or ‘hospital’. Locals will often respond with nearby reference points rather than exact distances. Carry a paper map to confirm.
How much?
Key when shopping. Say ‘in chand ast?’ or ‘che qadr?’ to ask price. Always smile and expect bargaining; vendors expect some haggling in bazaars and small shops. Offer about half initial price then negotiate.
I don’t understand
Useful when you need clarity. Dari ‘man nafahmidam’, Pashto ‘za na pohegem.’ Say plainly and ask them to repeat slowly; many Afghans will switch to simpler words or gestures. Carry phrase written in script.
Toilet?
Necessary for finding restrooms; say ‘dastshuyi kojā ast?’ or simply ‘toilet kojā?’. In private homes ask discreetly. Public facilities vary in cleanliness; carry tissues and small change. Women may need to ask another woman.
Help! / Please help
Emergency plea — ‘komak konid’ (help please) in Dari or shout ‘yaar!’ Locals respond quickly in crowds. Use only for real emergencies; follow with a short explanation of the problem.
I need a doctor
Important for medical issues. Say ‘man doktor mikhāham’ and indicate symptoms or show a written note. In cities hospitals are better; in villages ask locals for the nearest clinic or trusted healer.
Call the police
Requesting authority help: ‘police rā farā khānid.’ Police response varies; in emergencies prefer calling or asking hotel staff to contact local authorities for you. Always carry ID.
Left
Direction word for navigation: ‘chap’ means left in Dari; Pashto similar. Pair with ‘rast’ for right. Use when giving or following simple driving or walking directions. Pointing while saying it helps.
Right
‘Rāst’ or ‘rast’ means right or straight depending on context. Say ‘be rāst’ to tell someone to turn right, or ‘mostaqīm’ for straight ahead. Clarify with gestures in noisy streets.
Straight
Tell drivers or guides ‘mostaqim’ for straight ahead. Common in urban transport; combine with landmarks. Drivers often prefer landmarks over complex turns. Use with ‘be’ or ‘tara’ for direction phrases frequently.
Take me to…
Key phrase for taxis: ‘mara be [place] beresānid’ means ‘take me to…’. Say destination clearly, show written name if possible. Negotiate fare before starting and clarify return arrangements in advance.
Airport
Useful word when asking for or showing on maps. Say ‘forudgāh kojā ast?’ to ask where the airport is. Airport services concentrated in major cities like Kabul, Kandahar, and Herat.
Bazaar
Common word for markets. Saying ‘bāzār’ helps when asking locals for shopping areas. Expect bargaining and a lively atmosphere; touching goods may be acceptable but ask before photographing people or stalls.
Water
Essential when thirsty: ask ‘āb’ or ‘āb lotfan’ to request water. Bottled water is recommended; avoid tap water in many areas. Offerings of tea or water are a common hospitality gesture.
Tea please
Order or accept tea politely: ‘chay lotfan.’ Tea is central to Afghan hospitality; hosts often insist on serving tea, and refusing may be seen as impolite—offer a brief polite decline if you truly cannot accept.
I’m lost
Say when you can’t find your way: ‘man gum shudam.’ Locals usually try to help or point to landmarks. Show a written address to drivers or shopkeepers for clearer directions.
I am vegetarian
Useful at restaurants: ‘man giyah-khoram’ signals you don’t eat meat. Expect limited vegetarian options in some areas; ask for rice, vegetables, or egg dishes. Showing the phrase written reduces confusion.
I have an allergy
Tell hosts or medical staff: ‘man alergi dāram’ and name the allergen. Food labels may be scarce; carry translation cards for specific allergies and show them when ordering or during emergencies.
Do you speak English?
Ask if someone speaks English. In cities more likely; in rural areas less common. Useful to find an interpreter or hotel staff; ask politely and follow with simple Dari/Pashto phrases if they can.
Do you have…?
Polite way to ask if a shop or host has an item: ‘āyā dārid [bread/chāy]?’ Useful when seeking supplies like water, SIM cards, or adapters; show the item or written word to avoid misunderstandings.
Can you lower the price?
Polite bargaining phrase: ‘qīmat rā kam konid.’ Start with a lower offer and smile; bargaining is expected in bazaars, but remain respectful—never shout or accuse the vendor. Walk away tactic often leads to better counter-offers.
