Meaning
A polite invitation to enter a home or room.
Cultural Background
When saying 'Keling', it is customary to offer the guest 'non' (bread) and tea immediately. Refusing the first offer of tea is common, so the host will usually ask 'Keling' and offer tea at least three times. The threshold of the door is considered a boundary. You should never shake hands or say 'Keling' while standing directly on the threshold; either stay outside or step fully inside. In these historic cities, 'Keling' might be followed by 'Salomat bo'ling' (Be healthy) as a way of wishing the guest well as they enter your home. In Tashkent, 'Keling' is used rapidly in service industries. You will hear it dozens of times a day from waiters, taxi drivers, and shopkeepers.
The Double Keling
Saying 'Keling, keling' makes you sound like a native speaker who is genuinely excited to see their guest.
Watch the 'L'
The Uzbek 'L' is clear and light. Don't make it too 'dark' or 'heavy' like in the English word 'ball'.
Meaning
A polite invitation to enter a home or room.
The Double Keling
Saying 'Keling, keling' makes you sound like a native speaker who is genuinely excited to see their guest.
Watch the 'L'
The Uzbek 'L' is clear and light. Don't make it too 'dark' or 'heavy' like in the English word 'ball'.
Hand on Heart
Always use your right hand when gesturing with 'Keling'. Using the left hand is considered impolite.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank to politely invite your teacher into the classroom.
Assalomu alaykum, ustoz! Marhamat, ______.
You must use the polite '-ing' suffix for a teacher.
Match the phrase to the correct situation.
Match 'Keling, oshga!' to the situation.
It is a classic Uzbek invitation to join a meal.
Complete the dialogue.
Host: Xush kelibsiz! Guest: Rahmat. Host: ________, o'tiring.
The host follows the welcome with an invitation to come in and sit.
Which of these is the MOST warm and encouraging?
Pick the warmest invitation:
The '-avering' suffix adds a sense of 'don't hesitate, just come right in'.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Where to use Keling
Home
- • Guests
- • Neighbors
- • Family
Work
- • Clients
- • Colleagues
- • Visitors
Public
- • Shops
- • Taxis
- • Restaurants
Practice Bank
4 exercisesAssalomu alaykum, ustoz! Marhamat, ______.
You must use the polite '-ing' suffix for a teacher.
Match 'Keling, oshga!' to the situation.
It is a classic Uzbek invitation to join a meal.
Host: Xush kelibsiz! Guest: Rahmat. Host: ________, o'tiring.
The host follows the welcome with an invitation to come in and sit.
Pick the warmest invitation:
The '-avering' suffix adds a sense of 'don't hesitate, just come right in'.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNo, it's used in shops, offices, parks, and even online. It's an invitation to any space.
Yes, it is perfectly polite and respectful for a professional setting.
'Keling' is 'Please come in' (the action), while 'Xush kelibsiz' is 'Welcome' (the greeting).
'Kelavering' is more informal and warmer. It suggests the guest shouldn't worry about being a bother.
Yes, but 'Kelinglar' is more grammatically correct for a group.
You should say 'Rahmat' (Thank you) or 'Assalomu alaykum' if you haven't greeted them yet.
Yes, if you are inviting someone to a meeting or an event.
Sometimes! 'Keling, gaplashaylik' means 'Come, let's talk.'
Yes, it is a universal word across all Uzbek dialects.
You can, but 'Kel' is more natural for children.
Related Phrases
Xush kelibsiz
similarWelcome
Marhamat
builds onPlease / After you
Kiring
specialized formEnter
Kelavering
specialized formKeep coming / Come right in
Ket
contrastGo away
