Skip to content
Khegay Sabaqtary

READ · LISTEN · USE IT

A1 · At the hairdresser’s

Explain a simple preference for your haircut.

How the language works

Şaşym means “my hair”; şaşymdy marks “my hair” as the specific object of an action. Azdap means “a little”; qatty means “a lot/strongly”. A negative request is qysqartpañyzşy — “please do not shorten it”.

Useful phrases

Read, recall the meaning and say it aloud. Then compare with the audio.

Şaşymdy azdap qysqartyñyzşy.

Please trim my hair a little.

Qatty qysqartpañyzşy.

Please do not cut too much off.

Osylai jaqsy.

This is good.

Şaşymdy juyp berıñızşı.

Please wash my hair.

Qanşa uaqyt kerek?

How long will it take?

Ainadan körsetıñızşı.

Please show me in the mirror.

Dialogue

Hairdresser

Şaşyñyzdy qalai qiaiyn?

How would you like your hair cut?

Alexey

Azdap qysqartyñyzşy. Qatty qysqartpañyzşy.

Please trim it a little. Not too much, please.

Hairdresser

Osylai bola ma?

Is this all right?

Alexey

İä, osylai jaqsy.

Yes, this is good.

Check your understanding

Choose an answer before opening the explanation. Then explain your choice.

1. Choose the correct translation: “Şaşymdy azdap qysqartyñyzşy.”

  1. Please trim my hair a little.
  2. Please do not cut too much off.
  3. Please show me in the mirror.
  4. This is good.
Answer and explanation

Please trim my hair a little.

Şaşymdy azdap qysqartyñyzşy. — Please trim my hair a little.

2. How do you say: “Please wash my hair.”?

  1. Qanşa uaqyt kerek?
  2. Şaşymdy juyp berıñızşı.
  3. Ainadan körsetıñızşı.
  4. Qatty qysqartpañyzşy.
Answer and explanation

Şaşymdy juyp berıñızşı.

Şaşymdy juyp berıñızşı. — Please wash my hair.

3. What does azdap mean?

  1. Tomorrow
  2. A little
  3. Completely
  4. Free of charge
Answer and explanation

A little

Azdap expresses a small degree or quantity.

Make it your own

Tell the hairdresser the length you want, then comment on the result.

  • I stated my preference
  • I said what to avoid
  • I commented on the result
Example response

Şaşymdy azdap qysqartyñyzşy. Qatty qysqartpañyzşy. Ainadan körsetıñızşı. İä, osylai jaqsy. Raqmet!