Meaning
Common way to say something is good.
Cultural Background
During Naadam, the term 'Goyo' is used to describe the best traditional outfits. People spend months preparing their 'Naadmiin Goyo'. In the capital, 'Goyo' is the backbone of slang. It's used in almost every sentence by teenagers to show approval or 'vibe' with something. Historically, 'Goyo' was about the craftsmanship of saddles and belts. A 'Goyo' man was one with high-quality, decorated gear. Commenting 'Goyo' on a photo is the Mongolian equivalent of a 'Like' or a 'Fire' emoji. It's a quick way to show support.
The 'Yum aa' Trick
Add 'yum aa' after 'Goyo' to sound 10x more like a native speaker when you are impressed. 'Goyo yum aa!'
Don't use for health
If someone asks how you are, don't say 'Bi goyo'. It sounds like you are complimenting your own looks.
Meaning
Common way to say something is good.
The 'Yum aa' Trick
Add 'yum aa' after 'Goyo' to sound 10x more like a native speaker when you are impressed. 'Goyo yum aa!'
Don't use for health
If someone asks how you are, don't say 'Bi goyo'. It sounds like you are complimenting your own looks.
Instagram King
If you want to make Mongolian friends online, just comment 'Goyo!' on their posts. It's the universal sign of friendship.
Goyo vs. Goyokhon
Use 'Goyokhon' for small things like a puppy or a baby's shoes. It adds a 'cute' nuance.
Test Yourself
Choose the best response to: 'Би шинэ утас авсан.' (I bought a new phone.)
Би шинэ утас авсан.
When someone gets something new and cool, 'Goyo yum aa!' is the perfect enthusiastic response.
Complete the sentence to say 'You look nice.'
Чи _____ харагдаж байна.
'Гоё харагдах' is the standard phrase for looking good/nice.
Match the phrase to the situation.
A friend suggests going to a concert.
'Goyo sanaa baina' means 'Great idea!'
Complete the dialogue.
A: Өнөөдөр цаг агаар ямар байна? B: Нартай, их _____ өдөр байна.
You use 'goyo' to describe a nice, sunny day.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
What can be 'Goyo'?
Objects
- • Clothes
- • Cars
- • Phones
Experiences
- • Movies
- • Parties
- • Trips
Nature
- • Weather
- • Photos
- • Flowers
Goyo vs. Saikhan
Practice Bank
4 exercisesБи шинэ утас авсан.
When someone gets something new and cool, 'Goyo yum aa!' is the perfect enthusiastic response.
Чи _____ харагдаж байна.
'Гоё харагдах' is the standard phrase for looking good/nice.
A friend suggests going to a concert.
'Goyo sanaa baina' means 'Great idea!'
A: Өнөөдөр цаг агаар ямар байна? B: Нартай, их _____ өдөр байна.
You use 'goyo' to describe a nice, sunny day.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, but usually for how it looks or the overall experience. For taste, use 'Amttai'.
It's very informal, so it's considered common slang, but it's not offensive.
'Goyo' is 'cool/pretty' (informal). 'Saikhan' is 'beautiful/grand' (formal/deep).
Only if you are saying 'I look pretty today'. Don't use it to mean 'I am fine'.
Say 'Ih goyo' or 'Uneheer goyo'.
Yes, in a friendly way, but don't use it in a formal speech to them.
It's a slangy way of saying 'It's cool, you know!'
Yes, 'Goyo kino' is a very common way to say 'Cool movie'.
No, adjectives in Mongolian don't change for plural.
Yes, 'Goyoh' means to decorate or to dress up.
Related Phrases
Сайхан
similarBeautiful / Fine
Дажгүй
similarNot bad / Decent
Тасархай
specialized formAmazing / Lit
Ганган
similarStylish
Амттай
contrastTasty
