Mongolian Phrase Book

The contemporary traveler’s indispensable phrases

Do you know the way to Ulan Bator? Ta haanaas Ulaanbaatar orohiig medeh uu?

I think I like Inner Mongolia better. Bi Uvur Mongold iluu durtai.

Do you have any vegetarian options? Tand tsagaan hoolnii songolt baigaa yu?

Where is the nearest Mongolian BBQ? Hamgiin oirhon Mongol barbeque haana baidag ve?

Oh, I always thought that was a Kazakh custom. Puuh, bi urgelj eniig Kazakh yos zanshil gej bodoj irsen.

Of course I’ve seen a yurt; we have so many in Topanga Canyon. Medeej bi ger harsan; Topanga havtsald zunduu baidag.

I never thought I’d say this, but Haranga is really hot. Bi Haranga hamtlagiig goy gej helne gej yuruusuu bodsongui.

Thank you so much; this milk is delicious. Mash ih bayarlalaa, ene suu ih amttai yum.

How many more steppes? Dahij heden tal nutag ve?

Now THAT is a nice-looking yak. Naadah chin yostoi uzesgelentei sarlag baina.

Is sheep’s milk really the secret to good skin? Honinii suu uneheer arisiig saihan hadgalah nuuts mun uu?

You do have very good skin, yes. Tiim ee, ta uneheer saihan aristai yum.

Can you teach me to ride a horse? Ta nadad mori unahiig zaaj uguuch.

Are you related to Genghis? Me too! Ta Chinggis Khaantai holbootoi yu? Bi ch gesen!

But you look like Bjork. Only prettier. Gehdee ta yag Bjork shig haragdaj baina. Iluu huurhun yum.

My horse blood is tepid; could you show me to your billows? Minii aduuni tsus buleevter baina; ta namaig davalgaa uruugaa avaachna uu?

I can’t understand why Beijing got the Olympics either. Bi ch gesen Beijing yaaj Olympiin erh avsniig oilgohgui baina.

I’m sorry, I always forget the word for impenetrable dust storm. Uuchlaarai, bi gatlashgui shoroon shuurgiin ugiig dandaa martdag yum.