юу — meaning in English: what

Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.

Guess the translation for what

Лхагва

амралт

юу

сайн амар

гайхамшигтай

Skip this question

🎓

Learn Mongolian for free

Quizzes, examples, audio & daily challenges. No password needed — just your email.

Start learning →

Already have an account? Log in

neutral very common

Usage

Native speakers often use the word 'юу' in everyday conversations, especially when asking questions. For instance, a child might ask their parent, 'юу байна?' (What is this?), or friends might use it casually to inquire about plans, like 'юу хийх вэ?' (What shall we do?). It's a fundamental part of communication in both formal and informal settings.

Synonyms & nuances

'юу' is often compared with 'яагаад' (why). While 'юу' is used to ask about objects or actions, 'яагаад' seeks explanations or reasons. Choosing 'юу' over 'яагаад' is essential when you simply want to know what something is, rather than why it is so.

Culture

'юу' is not just a simple word; it showcases the Mongolian language's rich questioning culture, reflecting the importance of inquiry and curiosity in daily life. Interestingly, the word's origins can be traced back to the Old Mongolian language, illustrating its enduring presence in Mongolian communication over centuries.

FAQ

Q.What does the Mongolian word 'юу' mean?

'юу' means 'what' in English and is used to ask questions about objects, actions, or situations.

Q.How do you use 'юу' in a sentence?

You can use 'юу' at the beginning of a question, like 'юу хийж байна вэ?' which means 'What are you doing?' It's versatile in both spoken and written forms.

Q.Are there any common mistakes when using 'юу'?

A common mistake is using it in contexts where a more specific question is needed. For example, if asking for an explanation, using 'юу' might not be sufficient; you might need to clarify further with additional words.

Learn mongolian with Maspeak →

Mongolian Vocabulary