Glossary

This glossary lists English words alongside their equivalents in the local languages of Afghanistan — the everyday words you will encounter when reading about Afghan daily life, institutions, and culture.

Alkhatu

Meaning: Female genie from Hazara legend  |  Translation: اَلْخَتُو

A female supernatural figure from Hazara oral tradition. She takes the form of a woman — long hair, long nails — and is known for a strong, unpleasant odor that arrives before she does. Encounters with her are said to leave people paralyzed or unable to speak.

→ Alkhatu: The Female Genie of Hazara Legend

Coaster

Meaning: Medium shared transport vehicle  |  Translation: کاستر

A common shared city vehicle used on fixed routes in Afghanistan. It is smaller than a bus but larger than a van, and passengers can also stand inside when crowded.

→ Paid Inner-City Transport

Da Breshna Sherkat

Meaning: Afghanistan Electricity Company  |  Translation: د برشنا شرکت

The government entity responsible for electricity in Afghanistan, also known by its acronym DABS. Da means “of” or “the” in Pashto; Breshna is the Pashto word for electricity; Sherkat means company.

→ Paid Inner-City Transport

Flankoj

Meaning: Large Toyota van  |  Translation: فلنکوج

A locally modified Toyota van used for urban shared transport. Fitted with extra seating to carry around 16 passengers.

→ Paid Inner-City Transport

Hazara

Meaning: An ethnic group of Afghanistan  |  Translation: هزاره

One of the main ethnic groups of Afghanistan, primarily inhabiting the central highlands known as the Hazarajat. They have a distinct culture, oral tradition, and history within the country. Hazaras speak their own accent of Dari. → Alkhatu: The Female Genie of Hazara Legend

Jinn

Meaning: Supernatural being in Islamic folklore  |  Translation: جن

A jinn (also spelled djinn) is a supernatural creature mentioned in Islamic folklore across the Middle East and Central/South Asia. Jinn are believed to be beings created from smokeless fire, capable of taking different forms, and are often associated with mysterious or unexplained events. In Afghan stories, jinn can be both helpful or harmful, and are sometimes described as genies in English.

→ Alkhatu: The Female Genie of Hazara Legend

Milli Bus

Meaning: National Bus  |  Translation: ملی بس

The former government-run bus service in Afghanistan. Milli means national or belonging to the people.

→ Paid Inner-City Transport

Minibus

Meaning: Small passenger bus  |  Translation: مینی بس

A smaller bus used for shared urban transport in Afghanistan. It is a separate vehicle type from coasters.

→ Paid Inner-City Transport

Pol-e-Bagh-Omumi

Meaning: A place in Kabul  |  Translation: پل باغ عمومی

A well-known area in Kabul. Pol means bridge, Bagh means garden, and Omumi means public.

→ Inside the Broken System of Afghanistan’s Governmental Schools

Rickshaw

Meaning: Motorcycle with a passenger wagon attached  |  Translation: ریکشا

A motorcycle-based vehicle with a passenger wagon attached, used for short, low-cost city trips.

→ Paid Inner-City Transport

Shorba / Shorwa

Meaning: Soup  |  Translation: شوربا / شوروا

A traditional soup dish commonly prepared in Afghan homes. Its main ingredients are meat (chicken, beef, lamb, or mutton), potato, water, salt, oil, and pepper. It is usually eaten with fresh bread. It is also a popular choice for large catering and for serving home guests, and is widely loved and frequently prepared.

→ 7 Reasons to Love Afghanistan Beyond the Headlines

Tasadi

Meaning: Government enterprise  |  Translation: تصدی

A state-owned entity expected to generate income for the government. Distinct from a ministry or department.

→ Paid Inner-City Transport

Taraqi Talim

Meaning: Education Progress  |  Translation: ترقی تعلیم

Name of the teacher attendance record book used in governmental schools. Taraqi means progress; Talim means education.

→ Inside the Broken System of Afghanistan’s Governmental Schools

Tunis

Meaning: Small Toyota van  |  Translation: تونس

A smaller locally modified Toyota van used for urban shared transport. Typically carries around 12 passengers.

→ Paid Inner-City Transport

New terms are added with each post. Bookmark this page and come back to explore more of the language behind everyday Afghan life.