Signification
Asking about the well-being of relatives.
Contexte culturel
In Ulaanbaatar, this phrase is often used as a quick social lubricant. Even if you don't know the family members' names, asking this shows you are 'Sürtei' (have good manners). In the countryside, this question is taken very seriously. The answer might be long, detailing the health of parents or children in another aimag (province). For Mongolians living abroad, this phrase is a way to maintain a connection to their roots. It's the first thing asked during long-distance video calls. Similar variations exist in other Mongolic dialects, often emphasizing the 'peace' (Amur) of the household.
The 'Sain uu' Sandwich
Always start with 'Sain uu', ask about the family, and then move to your main topic. It's the polite way to structure a conversation.
Don't be too specific too fast
If you don't know the family well, stick to 'Ger büliinkhen'. Asking about a specific spouse or child you've never met can sometimes feel too personal.
Signification
Asking about the well-being of relatives.
The 'Sain uu' Sandwich
Always start with 'Sain uu', ask about the family, and then move to your main topic. It's the polite way to structure a conversation.
Don't be too specific too fast
If you don't know the family well, stick to 'Ger büliinkhen'. Asking about a specific spouse or child you've never met can sometimes feel too personal.
Watch the Particle
Remember to use 'уу' for 'сайн'. If you use 'үү', it will sound like a different word harmony and might confuse the listener.
Teste-toi
Complete the greeting with the correct suffix and particle.
Гэр бүл____ сайн ____?
'-ийнхэн' is the collective suffix for people, and 'уу' is the question particle for 'сайн'.
Which is the most natural response to 'Гэр бүлийнхэн сайн уу?'
Response:
It's polite to confirm they are well and say thank you.
Fill in the missing line in this dialogue.
A: Сайн уу? Ойрд сонин юу байна? B: Сайн. Юу ч үгүй. ________? A: Бүгд сайн байгаа.
This is the natural follow-up question in a catch-up conversation.
Match the phrase to the formality level.
1. Гэрийнхэн сайн уу? 2. Таны гэр бүлийнхэн амар амгалан уу?
'Гэрийнхэн' is casual, while 'Амар амгалан' is very formal/respectful.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesГэр бүл____ сайн ____?
'-ийнхэн' is the collective suffix for people, and 'уу' is the question particle for 'сайн'.
Response:
It's polite to confirm they are well and say thank you.
A: Сайн уу? Ойрд сонин юу байна? B: Сайн. Юу ч үгүй. ________? A: Бүгд сайн байгаа.
This is the natural follow-up question in a catch-up conversation.
1. Гэрийнхэн сайн уу? 2. Таны гэр бүлийнхэн амар амгалан уу?
'Гэрийнхэн' is casual, while 'Амар амгалан' is very formal/respectful.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
4 questionsNo, it's perfectly neutral. However, for very close friends, 'Гэрийнхэн сайн уу?' is slightly more common and warm.
In casual conversation, it's common to say 'Зүгээр ээ' (They are okay) or 'Гайгүй ээ' (Not bad) to avoid bringing down the mood, unless you want to share details.
Yes, it refers to their parents, siblings, or whoever they consider their household.
'Гэр бүл' is the noun 'family'. 'Гэр бүлийнхэн' is 'the people belonging to the family'.
Expressions liées
Гэрийнхэн сайн уу?
similarAre the home-folks well?
Аав ээж нь сайн уу?
specialized formAre your father and mother well?
Танайхан сайн уу?
synonymAre your people well?
Ар гэрийнхэн сайн уу?
similarAre the people back home well?
