Ways to say it
| Uzbek | Pronunciation | Meaning | When |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xush kelibsiz | khush ke-lib-SIZ | Welcome | To one person politely, or to a group. |
| Xush kelibsan | khush ke-lib-SAN | Welcome | Informal, to a friend. |
| Marhamat, kiring | mar-ha-MAT, ki-RING | Please, come in | At the door. |
| Xush koʻrdik | khush koʻr-DIK | Glad to see you | The traditional reply from the guest. |
Capital letters mark the stressed syllable. Uzbek stress usually falls on the last syllable.
What it literally means
You have come pleasantly.
What people say back
Xush koʻrdik (khush koʻr-DIK): “Glad to see you”.
In a real exchange
- Host: Xush kelibsiz! Marhamat, kiring.
Welcome! Please, come in. - You: Xush koʻrdik, rahmat.
Glad to see you, thank you.
Good to know
- Take your shoes off at the door of a home; the host will usually offer slippers.
- A guest is seated furthest from the door, the place of honour. Accept it.
- Mehmon, “guest”, is a central idea: hospitality is a matter of pride.
Common mistakes
- Using it for “you're welcome”. That is Arzimaydi or Marhamat.
This phrase is part of Uzbek greetings and goodbyes in the free phrasebook, with the grammar behind it.