Signification
Asking where a place is.
Contexte culturel
In the steppe, directions are often given based on the sun or mountains. 'To the north of the big rock' is a common instruction. Addresses are often given by landmarks rather than street names. People will say 'behind the State Department Store' instead of 'Peace Avenue 12'. It is considered rude to refuse to help someone who is 'зам асуух'. Even if you don't know, you should try to find someone who does. Always use the right hand or both hands when pointing directions; pointing with one finger can be seen as rude in some traditional contexts.
Use Landmarks
When asking, mention a big building nearby. It helps locals give better directions.
Don't just say 'Where?'
Always start with 'Уучлаарай' (Excuse me) to avoid sounding demanding.
Signification
Asking where a place is.
Use Landmarks
When asking, mention a big building nearby. It helps locals give better directions.
Don't just say 'Where?'
Always start with 'Уучлаарай' (Excuse me) to avoid sounding demanding.
The 'Gesen yum' trick
Saying 'Зам асуух гэсэн юм' (I intended to ask the way) sounds much more native than 'Би зам асуумаар байна'.
Teste-toi
Fill in the missing word to complete the phrase 'Asking for directions'.
Би _____ асууж байна.
'Зам' means road/way. The other options are water, book, and tea.
Which is the most polite way to ask for directions?
Танаас ... болох уу?
The '-ж болох уу' construction is the standard polite way to ask for permission.
Match the phrase to the situation.
You are lost in the countryside and see a herder.
You need to ask for the way (Зам асуух), not eat, sleep, or sing.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Уучлаарай, зам асууж болох уу? B: ______.
'Yes, you can' is the most helpful and natural response.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesБи _____ асууж байна.
'Зам' means road/way. The other options are water, book, and tea.
Танаас ... болох уу?
The '-ж болох уу' construction is the standard polite way to ask for permission.
You are lost in the countryside and see a herder.
You need to ask for the way (Зам асуух), not eat, sleep, or sing.
A: Уучлаарай, зам асууж болох уу? B: ______.
'Yes, you can' is the most helpful and natural response.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsYes, it is very common and socially acceptable to ask anyone on the street.
You can ask them to show you: 'Та заагаад өгөөч?' (Could you show me?)
Yes, in Ulaanbaatar, but many small businesses aren't listed, so 'зам асуух' is still necessary.
The phrase itself is neutral. Politeness comes from the verb endings you add.
Yes, it's perfect for that. 'Автобусны зам асуух' is common.
Usually 'Тийм ээ, болно' (Yes, you can) followed by the directions.
No, it is not expected and might be seen as strange. A simple 'Баярлалаа' (Thank you) is enough.
Use '[Building name] хаана байдаг вэ?' after your initial request to ask for the way.
Not really slang, but 'Зам сураглах' is a more casual/colloquial way to say you're looking around for the way.
Most Mongolians have a good sense of direction. If they say 'North', they mean toward the mountains in UB.
Expressions liées
Зам заах
contrastTo show/give directions
Замаа алдах
similarTo lose one's way
Замд гарах
builds onTo set out on a journey
Газарчлах
specialized formTo act as a guide
