Meaning
Greeting a guest.
Cultural Background
When saying 'Xush kelibsiz', it is traditional to offer the guest 'non' (bread) and tea immediately. Refusing the first cup of tea is considered slightly impolite. The right hand on the heart is a sign of deep sincerity. It shows that the welcome comes from the soul, not just the mouth. In this region, hospitality is even more formalized. You might be welcomed with a long series of questions about your health and family immediately after 'Xush kelibsiz'. In Tashkent, you will see 'Xush kelibsiz' on LED screens and in Western-style cafes, showing how the traditional greeting adapts to modern life.
Hand on Heart
Always use your right hand on your chest when saying this to elders for maximum respect.
The 'H' Trap
Don't pronounce it with a soft 'H'. It's a strong, raspy 'X'.
Meaning
Greeting a guest.
Hand on Heart
Always use your right hand on your chest when saying this to elders for maximum respect.
The 'H' Trap
Don't pronounce it with a soft 'H'. It's a strong, raspy 'X'.
The Response
If someone says this to you, say 'Rahmat' immediately to show you appreciate the welcome.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank to welcome a guest to your home.
Uyimizga ____ kelibsiz!
'Xush' is the specific word used for 'Welcome'.
Which response is correct when someone says 'Xush kelibsiz' to you?
A: Xush kelibsiz! B: ________
'Xushvaqt bo'ling' is the standard polite response to being welcomed.
Match the phrase to the person you are greeting.
1. A group of tourists. 2. A small child. 3. A business partner.
Plural for tourists, informal for child, formal for partner.
Complete the dialogue at the airport.
Xodim: O'zbekistonga ____! Sayyoh: Rahmat, juda xursandman.
The airport is a standard place for a formal welcome.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Formality Levels
Practice Bank
4 exercisesUyimizga ____ kelibsiz!
'Xush' is the specific word used for 'Welcome'.
A: Xush kelibsiz! B: ________
'Xushvaqt bo'ling' is the standard polite response to being welcomed.
1. A group of tourists. 2. A small child. 3. A business partner.
Plural for tourists, informal for child, formal for partner.
Xodim: O'zbekistonga ____! Sayyoh: Rahmat, juda xursandman.
The airport is a standard place for a formal welcome.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, it is perfectly polite and appropriate for a teacher.
Technically yes, in modern Latin script it should be 'Xush'.
Use 'Xush kelibsizlar' to be grammatically correct.
No, the host says it to you. You say 'Assalomu alaykum'.
Just 'Xush kelibsiz' is already quite short, but in very casual settings, people might just say 'Kel'.
No! Never use it that way. Use 'Arzimaydi'.
Yes, very common in business meetings to welcome partners.
Yes, it's a great way to start a welcome email.
It means 'pleasant' or 'good' in Persian.
'Kelibsiz' sounds slightly more welcoming and polite in this specific formula.
Related Phrases
Xushvaqt bo'ling
contrastMay you be happy/pleasant.
Marhamat
similarPlease / Welcome in.
Qadamlaringizga hasanot
specialized formBlessings on your steps.
Kelavering
informalKeep coming / Come in.
