Pashto is one of the two official languages of Afghanistan, alongside Dari, and is primarily spoken by the Pashtun ethnic group. It belongs to the Eastern Iranian branch of the Indo-Iranian languages and has a rich cultural and historical significance. Pashto is not only used in Afghanistan but also in parts of Pakistan, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan provinces. The language is known for its unique script, which is derived from the Perso-Arabic script and is read from right to left.

Understanding Pashto

Learning Pashto opens up avenues for communication with millions of speakers and provides insights into Pashtun culture, traditions, and values. The language has its own distinct phonology, grammar, and vocabulary. The Pashto alphabet consists of 44 letters, including both consonants and vowels. Mastery of pronunciation is essential for effective communication, as many sounds in Pashto do not exist in English.

To help learners, here’s a table that outlines the Pashto alphabet along with its English pronunciation equivalents:

Pashto Letter	Sound	Pronunciation Example
ا	a	as in apple
ب	b	as in boat
پ	p	as in pool
ت	t	as in time
ث	s	as in smile
ج	j	as in joke
چ	ch	as in chair
خ	kh	as in Bach
د	d	as in day
ر	r	as in rabbit

Language Learning Guide

Here’s a comprehensive guide to essential phrases and vocabulary for travelers to Afghanistan who wish to learn Pashto:

Numbers

Number	Pashto	Pronunciation
1	يو	yaw
2	دؤه	dwa
3	درے	dray
4	څلور	tsalor
5	پنځه	panza

Days of the Week

Day	Pashto	Pronunciation
Sunday	یکشنبه	yakshanbeh
Monday	دوشنبه	doshanbeh
Tuesday	سه‌شنبه	se-shanbeh
Wednesday	چهارشنبه	chahar-shanbeh
Thursday	پنج‌شنبه	panj-shanbeh

Months

Month	Pashto	Pronunciation
January	جنوری	janwari
February	فوریه	fawriye
March	مارچ	march
April	اپریل	april
May	مه	meh

Greetings

• Hello: سلام (salaam)
• Goodbye: خداحافظ (khodaa haafez)
• How are you?: ته څنګه یی؟ (ta tsenga ye?)

Polite Expressions

• Please: لطفاً (lotfan)
• Thank you: مننه (manana)
• Excuse me / Sorry: ببخشئ (bebakhshi)

Basic Shopping Phrases

• How much is this?: دا څومره دی؟ (da tsomra de?)
• I would like this: زه دا غواړم (za da ghwaram)

Ordering Food

• Menu: منو (menu)
• I would like to order…: زه غوښتنه لرم چې… (za ghoštana laram che…)

Transportation Terms

• Taxi: تاکسی (taxi)
• Bus: بس (bus)

Directions

• Left: چپ (chap)
• Right: ښی (khi)
• Straight ahead: مستقیم (mostaqim)

Hotel and Accommodation Vocabulary

• Room: اتاق (otaagh)
• Reservation: ریزرویشن (rezerveshin)

Emergency Phrases

• Help!: مرسته وکړئ! (mrasta woka!)
• Call a doctor!: د ډاکټر زنګ ووهئ! (da doktor zang woha!)

Common Questions

• What is your name?: ستا نوم څه دی؟ (sta num tsah de?)
• Where are you from?: ته له کوم ځایه یی؟ (ta la kum zaya ye?)

Weather Terms

• Hot: ګرم (garm)
• Cold: یخ (yakh)

Cultural Etiquette Phrases

• Respect elders: د مشرانو احترام وکړئ (da mashrano ehteram woka)

Health and Medical Terms

• Doctor: ډاکټر (doktor)
• Medicine: دوا (dawa)

Dining Etiquette

• Use your right hand for eating.

Local Attractions Vocabulary

• Museum: موزیم (museum)

Currency and Payment Terms

• Afghan Afghani: افغانی (afghani)

Social Interactions

Engaging in small talk about family or local events is common.

Compliments and Small Talk

• “You have a beautiful home”: ستا کور ډیر ښکلی دی. (sta kor der khkuli de.)

This guide serves as a foundational resource for travelers looking to communicate effectively while navigating daily interactions in Afghanistan. Familiarity with these phrases will enhance your experience and understanding of the local culture.