Kutchi Language - Common Words and Phrases

Common Words and Phrases

There are distinct regional accents and variations in grammar. As in many languages spoken along Asian trade routes, there is substantial borrowing from Persian and Arabic -- words like "duniya" (world), and "nasib" (fate), are routinely used by many speakers of Kachhi. Many Kachhi speakers also speak Gujarati as a separate language, especially as it is the language in which Kachhi speakers customarily write. Kachhi speakers' Gujarati accent and usage tends towards standard forms that any Gujarati speaker would be able to understand.

The following words are commonly used by Hindu individuals of descending from the Kutch rural area of Gujarat, India, who, especially if in east Africa, reject Kachhi. These are colloquial forms of general Gujarati phrases that are often used in daily conversation in villages, particularly of the Kachhi predominance and are Gujaratisized versions of Kachhi words. An example of such follows:

Haaiya/chhadyo hane (Gujarati Bas chhodo have : now drop it)

Achento/Vineto ( Gujarati - Aavu(n)' chhu(n)' / Jaau(n)' chhu(n)' : I am coming / going)

Kichdi Khaayo taa? (Gujarati - Kichdi khaao chho? : Do you eat Kichdi?)