Significado
To receive information or a message.
Contexto cultural
In the countryside, 'хэл авах' was the primary way to know about weather changes or lost livestock. Travelers were expected to share 'tongue' as a social duty. In Ulaanbaatar, this phrase is now synonymous with checking social media or phone notifications, showing how nomadic idioms adapt to technology. The phrase is a linguistic fossil of the Mongol Empire's intelligence gathering, where a 'tongue' was a high-value prisoner. Regularly 'taking word' from parents is a sign of 'ачлал' (filial piety). Going too long without it causes 'сэтгэл чилээх' (worrying the heart).
Use with Ablative
Always remember to use the '-аас' suffix on the person you heard from. It's the 'from' that makes the sentence work.
Don't be too literal
If you say 'Би хэл авмаар байна' in a butcher shop, they might actually give you a cow's tongue!
Significado
To receive information or a message.
Use with Ablative
Always remember to use the '-аас' suffix on the person you heard from. It's the 'from' that makes the sentence work.
Don't be too literal
If you say 'Би хэл авмаар байна' in a butcher shop, they might actually give you a cow's tongue!
Social Glue
Using this phrase makes you sound much more like a native speaker than using the word 'мэдээлэл' (information).
The 'Sonin' Rule
When someone asks 'Сонин юу байна?' (What's new?), they are inviting you to 'хэл өгөх' so they can 'хэл авах'.
Ponte a prueba
Fill in the blank with the correct form of 'Хэл авах'.
Би өчигдөр найзаасаа ________.
Since you are receiving it 'from' (найзаасаа) a friend, 'хэл авсан' is the correct past tense form.
Which sentence means 'I haven't heard from my mother yet'?
Choose the correct sentence:
Option A uses the negative form 'аваагүй' and the source 'ээжээсээ' (from mother).
Complete the dialogue.
A: Дорж хаана байна? B: Мэдэхгүй ээ, би түүнээс ________.
B doesn't know where Dorj is because they haven't heard from him in a long time.
Match the phrase to the situation.
You just got a text from your boss saying the meeting is cancelled.
You received the information, so you 'took word' from the boss.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Ayudas visuales
Banco de ejercicios
4 ejerciciosБи өчигдөр найзаасаа ________.
Since you are receiving it 'from' (найзаасаа) a friend, 'хэл авсан' is the correct past tense form.
Choose the correct sentence:
Option A uses the negative form 'аваагүй' and the source 'ээжээсээ' (from mother).
A: Дорж хаана байна? B: Мэдэхгүй ээ, би түүнээс ________.
B doesn't know where Dorj is because they haven't heard from him in a long time.
You just got a text from your boss saying the meeting is cancelled.
You received the information, so you 'took word' from the boss.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Preguntas frecuentes
10 preguntasYes, it's perfectly fine for emails, texts, or any form of communication.
Yes, it is neutral. You can say it to your boss or your younger brother.
'Хэл авах' is more personal and idiomatic. 'Мэдээ авах' is more formal and literal.
No, it can be good, bad, or neutral news. It just means information was received.
No, unless you are in a fairy tale where animals talk!
Use 'Би танд хэл авах болно' (formal) or 'Би чамд хэл өгнө' (informal).
Yes, in this idiom, 'хэл' is always singular.
No, for radio or TV, use 'сонссон' (heard) or 'мэдээ үзсэн' (watched news).
Then you are using the original military meaning of 'хэл авах'!
Extremely often. It's a staple of rural Mongolian life.
Frases relacionadas
Хэл өгөх
contrastTo give word / To inform
Сураг гарах
similarNews/rumors to emerge
Мэдээ дуулгах
specialized formTo break news
Чимээ авах
similarTo get a hint/sound
Хэл амаа ололцох
builds onTo find a common tongue
