/r/tlhInganHol

Photograph via snooOG

Learn the Klingon language!

/r/tlhInganHol

2,343 Subscribers

4

A question about things for which no noun exists

I am trying to get a better handle on talking about things which lack nouns. Sometimes it is clear how to rephrase these around a verb, but other times this is not as much the case.

Some verbs can be made into nouns with the nominalizer ghach, and others still with suffixes like wI'. Very loosely speaking, these help with nouns which in English would end with er, tion, ness, but for more "direct" nouns that exist only as verbs in Klingon I have read contradictory things about whether or not we can simply use the verb as a noun.

For example consider a word like sleep/slumber. I recently had a case where someone was trying to say something like, "He slept very badly." Their solution was "qabpu'qu' ghaH Qong". Here they have used the verb "Qong" as part of a possessive noun phrase with the perfect aspect verb for being bad."

Would this be correct? If not, what would be a correct way to say this? It is almost obvious how to make this work with Qong as a verb - "Qongtah ghAH" - but there is no obvious way I can see to talk about that verb being done badly.

More generally, can verb stems be used as nouns in the way that this phrase was originally attempted? As noted, I have read contradictory remarks on this question.

9 Comments
2024/11/22
15:06 UTC

4

netlh'uy'?

I saw this word in a video about Klingon somewhere but what exactly is it? I know it's a number word but what exact number it means. netlh is 10,00 and 'uy' is million....so is it like billion or ten million? I'm too confused

3 Comments
2024/11/21
21:56 UTC

4

"That's what she said"

a good phrase to have in your back pocket if you want to start a fight. What's the best translation?

5 Comments
2024/11/16
17:22 UTC

5

If I may please, again. Sorry.

I've been a fan of Star Trek for a very long time. My dad and I watched OS together before I was able to grasp the nuances of the characters and adventures. I lost him to cancer back in 2012, and the scars you see are what is left of my own cancer and thyroidectomy. A member of this community (I deleted my original post to avoid thread congestion before I saved your handle. My truest apologies.) helped me translate the perfect statement. DaHjah blQapbe' You won't win today. I would very much like it to be in the original Klingon language. But, as I have absolutely no knack for languages, Klingon us even further out of my realm. Can anyone, please, translate it into Klingon; the script? The one that looks like it could be carved into stone... or flesh? My scar will be underlying the sentiment, which renews each morning as the second hand strikes 12. Thank you to any and all who are able to help me. I'll post a photo after it's done, which will be between the last week of the month to the first 2 weeks of December. (Gift buying and such.)

3 Comments
2024/11/13
00:44 UTC

3

Difference between DIy and ngItlh

Both words mean unable to move but how exactly DIy differs from ngItlh?

It may be just my problem since English isn't my native language but anyway. I just want to be sure what the difference is

3 Comments
2024/10/31
18:32 UTC

7

A Klingon song

peqIm - Here's my Halloween present for you: Watch, enjoy, and share!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Usl3-2Yj9TA

2 Comments
2024/10/31
16:42 UTC

3

taH pagh taHbe' in pIqaD

https://preview.redd.it/7652x3wgxqxd1.png?width=1511&format=png&auto=webp&s=d4a3e18c20c3ed96c266a1e8cdea23ae9e1965ae

note: I'm not too sure what a question mark is in pIqaD but I think it's what I wrote. Please let me know if I'm wrong.

3 Comments
2024/10/29
19:25 UTC

1

'IpDaj Valarya'

in an iconic scene in Conan the Barbarian, we see the leading woman give a speech after Conan is brought back from the dead. I think I got it translated but I want c&c to make sure it's right. I took a little liberty when it seemed appropriate.

"All the gods they cannot sever us. If I were dead and you still fighting for life, I'd come back from the darkness, back from the pit of hell to fight at your side."

*nuchevlaHbe' Hoch Qunpu'

nIHlIjDaq vISuvlaHmeH

bISuvtaHchugh 'ej qaHegh rIntaH

qI'tuvo' ghe'orvo' joq jIchegh!*

12 Comments
2024/10/27
01:50 UTC

1

Help with translation

Hello, I'm a big Trek and Klingon fan, but pretty new to the Klingon language. I am hoping to translate something along the lines of "Honor in peace" into Klingon.

Thank you so much.

17 Comments
2024/10/22
16:00 UTC

5

Picard's speech from 'The Drumhead' in tlhIngan Hol

With the first link, the chain is forged. The first speech censured, the first thought forbidden, the first freedom denied, chains us all irrevocably.

wa’DIch tlharwIl, mIr mItlh. Hey’ wa’DIch soQ, tuch wa’DIch busHach, tem wa’DIch tlhab, reH Hoch wIbagh.

I've attempted to translate Picard's speech above into tlhIngan Hol but I'm not too sure if I've done it right. Please let me know about any mistakes I've probably made.

Thanks in advance!

Edit: Based on what you guys said, I think the below is more accurate

tlharwIl wa'DIch mItlhlu'DI' mIr mItlhlu'. reH Hoch wIbagh Hey' SoQ wa'DIch, tuch buSHach wa'DIch, tem DIb wa'DIch.

4 Comments
2024/10/19
11:07 UTC

3

Klingon equivalent to "The Ancient Guard"

I'm currently working on a Star Trek fanfic that revolves around a group of Immortal Klingon Warriors, they are heavily based on Netflix's "The Old Guard".

I've decided to call the immortal Klingon's in my fic, "The Ancient Guard" and I'm wondering what they would be called in appropriate Klingon.

Thank you in advance!

12 Comments
2024/10/17
15:55 UTC

1

Need the phrase "Hound of War" translated into Klingon

Thanks in advance!

2 Comments
2024/10/13
21:38 UTC

5

Klingon Music / Klingon Victory Song

0 Comments
2024/10/10
00:07 UTC

9

What is the Klingon word for “word”?

Thanks in advance!

6 Comments
2024/10/08
01:44 UTC

6

Dictionary with Tables

Alright, this may sound dumb, but is there something like Wiktionary, but for Klingon? I know there is languageinventions wikia for High Valyrian and Dothraki, Eldamo for Sindarin and Quenya (however lacking in forms that are conjugated). I've found that it really helps me to have tables with inflection to check and it helps me memorize the endings and where they go.

2 Comments
2024/09/27
18:59 UTC

2

vIq in unicode PUA?

is there a TREKKIE in the house? ok "combat" in klingon is "vIq",but what are the actual klingon characters? as in unicode PUA characters in the U+F8D0 to U+F8FF range?

[edit: i think it is U+f8e6 U+f8d7 U+f8df, but i'd really like someone to confirm for me.]

2 Comments
2024/09/27
00:06 UTC

17

"Ad Astra Per Aspera" in Klingon

Hello everyone,

I'm working on a fan project and have some Klingon dialogue that I would like properly and accurately translated:

  1. "Ad astra per aspera" - the motto of Starfleet, which in English translates to "To the stars through hardship"
  2. "Asses" as in "you saved our asses out there" - Chov is a pretty consistent translation I get, including from the Klingon pocket dictionary, but I just want to make sure
  3. I have a character saying "What in Gre'thor?" like "What the hell?" Idk, I just think that's pretty funny.

Anyway, I appreciate the assistance.

2 Comments
2024/09/16
20:15 UTC

3

Great garden?

I'm translating the song and it goes about heaven's garden QI'tu' Du'Hom but i want to state that its a great garden. Can i say Du'Hom'a'?

3 Comments
2024/09/02
08:01 UTC

6

Wordsmithing for Star Trek Adventures lore

Greetings all!
I've been revisiting lore for my Klingon-themed Star Trek Adventures tabletop game and am trying to develop properly translated phrases. Since the setting fell in the years before Discovery, I had the idea of building off Beta Canon and having the three distinct styles of Klingons portrayed in different production eras of the show exist alongside each other. For those who exist in the DSC era, I figured that the more alien design was the result of early forms of genetic engineering. The procedure was intended to remove the perceived taint and deformity which had afflicted Klingons since the Qu'vat plague, thereby reclaiming an honorable place in Klingon society.
What I'm looking for is to find a phrase for this medical procedure. My initial thought was to call it something like "The Restoration," but obviously found there wasn't a particularly clean way to do that. Some of my most recent ideas were something closer to "Procedure of Restored Honor."

quvqa'ghach mIw

My (likely flawed) understanding is applied quv to be honored and qa' to denote that the act of being honored can be repeated or resumed. The -ghach nominalizer (applied due to the qa' suffix) forms the verb into a noun format. Use of mIw is straightforward but perhaps incomplete. I was considering use of the causal suffix -mo' (due to, because of) or -vaD (intended for), but am uncertain if either are truly appropriate.

Would this seem accurate as far as I have it? Any constructive advice or suggestions on refinement or alternatives?

3 Comments
2024/08/29
20:46 UTC

11

I come with respect, seeking knowledge. And a translation for something romantic. And maybe some guidance for pronunciation. Please and thank you.

Great warrior-poets and soon-to-be friends, like many others I come to you with a request. I have a hopefully romantic thing I would like to say to My Love, I'd like to say it in a language as passionate as my feelings for her. There is only one choice that fits. Klingon.

Here is my problem, however - I cannot speak Klingon, nor can I read it with the correct pronunciation. Not yet at least, aside from 2 words. My request follows: would some kindly translate my declaration of love for her, and give me some guidance that I say it proudly and with honour. And to not look like a petaQ.

Many thanks, honoured brothers and sisters. Qapla'!

"Heaven/Valhalla is nothing but your shadow. To die for you would be the greatest honour!"

6 Comments
2024/08/19
08:25 UTC

7

What is the Klingon word for cook (the profession)?

8 Comments
2024/08/18
18:28 UTC

2

Help Translating Song

I know this is a, very odd request, but could anybody help translate this song into Klingon? Keeping beat and rhymes isn't needed. Thanks!

Warning: it's a bit of a weird song. If you don't feel comfortable, you don't have to help :)

[Verse]  
The toilets in Seoul, shining white  
The toilet bowl sparkles, bright as a star  
The sound in that moment, like a rhythm  
Drip-drop falling, the beat of a drum  
Calmness felt inside the restroom  
In the quiet moment, kindness is heard  
The flush sounds like music  
Everything here is perfect harmony  

[Pre-Chorus]  
Every time I wash my hands, the water drops dance  
The smile reflected in the mirror, a beautiful chance  
The automatic flush, a magical moment  
This place is my clean small town  

[Chorus]  
I love the toilets in Seoul  
The bright white appearance is so lovely  
So fresh and clean, I love this scene  
It feels like heaven here, I really like it  
A moment where all fatigue disappears  
Dreaming time in the fragrant space  
The start of such a pleasant day  
The toilets in Seoul are always fantastic  

[Verse 2]  
As the water flows, a clear sound echoes  
Fragrant air fills the room  
Comfort felt on the toilet seat  
A moment where all stress vanishes  
The sound of the toilet water is like a little song  
All my worries disappear  
Sunlight shines in this perfect space  
Seoul's toilets are a true paradise  

[Pre-Chorus]  
The tissue is soft, like a cloud  
Everything is alright in this clean space  
A quiet moment as if the world stopped  
The restroom is my little comfort land  

[Chorus]  
I love the toilets in Seoul  
The bright white appearance is so lovely  
So fresh and clean, I love this scene  
It feels like heaven here, I really like it  
A moment where all fatigue disappears  
Dreaming time in the fragrant space  
The start of such a pleasant day  
The toilets in Seoul are always fantastic  

[Bridge]  
Who knew there was such joy  
Seoul's toilets, a piece of art  
Dancing hearts in rhythm and scent  
So lovable, the toilets in Seoul  

[Chorus]  
I love the toilets in Seoul  
The bright white appearance is so lovely  
So fresh and clean, I love this scene  
It feels like heaven here, I really like it  
A moment where all fatigue disappears  
Dreaming time in the fragrant space  
The start of such a pleasant day  
The toilets in Seoul are always fantastic  

[Outro]  
Every morning is a joyful surprise  
A new sunrise in this clean space  
The toilets in Seoul are always perfect  
Everything here is a perfect connect  
17 Comments
2024/07/28
02:57 UTC

3

How to say 'both'

For example we both see this

The best i came up with was cha; 'oH wIlegh maH

I dont know how to say 'both' maybe only using je/joq will work out?

5 Comments
2024/07/22
17:17 UTC

13

Constipated Klingon

0 Comments
2024/07/21
16:46 UTC

3

Phrasing query for story title

Qavan. I'm slowly picking up the language and doing my best not to butcher the language for episode titles in my Klingon-themed Star Trek Adventures game. I had an idea for something vaguely titled as "I Wish to Know the Sky." My thinking thus far was something along the lines of:

Chal'a' Sovjaj'

Sky+augmentative suffix to know+optative suffix reflecting the desire/wish.

Since there is an object, I didn't think a 1st person prefix would be necessary. Does this seem like it'd be on the right track? Anything that people think I am missing?

13 Comments
2024/07/14
22:41 UTC

10

jul tennuS - tlhev lut 'ay' wa'maH

0 Comments
2024/07/06
10:30 UTC

3

What does "ej yoDlu'chugh vay translate to?

A friend texted this to me but idk what it means.

3 Comments
2024/07/02
02:15 UTC

5

Nuqjatlh not nuq Dajatlh?

Apologies for the basic grammar question

Why do you say nuqjatlh and not nuq Dajatlh (what did you say?)

How would I say 'what did he say?' nuq jatlth ghaH?

4 Comments
2024/06/26
23:36 UTC

Back To Top