Slang

1. За

   Za

   Right / OK

   Usage

   The most-used discourse word in Mongolian: agreement, or a change of topic. Not rude towards elders. Doubled — За за — it means "yes, yes, all right"

2. Дажгүй

   Dajgüi

   Not bad / Fine

   Usage

   A light answer to "how is it?", for friends your own age. With an elder, Сайн байна is safer

3. Мундаг

   Mundag

   Impressive

   Usage

   Praise for someone's skill, usable with peers and elders alike — show it with a smile so it does not read as sarcasm

4. Сүрхий

   Sürkhii

   Quite something

   Usage

   Understated praise, normally aimed at peers or younger people

5. Хөөх!

   Khöökh!

   Wow!

   Usage

   An interjection of surprise, for a view or a dish. Fine in front of anyone

6. Юу байна?

   Yuu baina?

   What's up?

   Usage

   A casual opener between friends; not for shop staff or elders

7. Ямар байна?

   Yamar baina?

   How are things?

   Usage

   How you ask a peer how things are going; with an elder use Сайн байна уу?

8. Зүгээр

   Zügeer

   It is fine

   Usage

   The reply when someone apologises, and the way to decline an offer. A handy word, safe with anyone

9. Болно

   Bolno

   That works

   Usage

   The answer about whether something is allowed. Polite enough for staff and drivers; the negative is Болохгүй

10. Явъя!

    Yaviya!

    Let's go!

    Usage

    The signal to set off, used between friends. To a driver it can sound like rushing them

11. Тэгье

    Tegie

    Let's do that

    Usage

    The way to accept a suggestion; За тэгье is a common fuller form. Safe with anyone

12. Хамаагүй

    Khamaagüi

    Either is fine

    Usage

    To leave the choice to the other person. It can sound indifferent, so pair it with a smile

13. Найз минь

    Naiz mini

    My friend

    Usage

    A friendly form of address for peers; not used towards elders

14. Ах

    Akh

    Brother (to an older man)

    Usage

    How you address an older man; name + ах (Bat akh) is the normal form. For a woman use Эгч

15. Эгч

    Egch

    Sister (to an older woman)

    Usage

    How you address an older woman, used at markets and eateries

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