Klingon Language

Klingons speak a language called "tlhIngan Hol" which translates literally in English to "Klingon Language."
There are several dialects of Klingon Language that are spoken in the Empire, and the preferred dialect changes with the current leading emperor. To stay in favor, one must speak the current dialect.

Klingon language and speech pattern, even when speaking Federation Standard, is direct and abrupt.
By cultural standards, Klingons do not waste time on pleasantries, such as asking about the weather or wishing one a good day or even saying "hello." This type of conversation is considered insulting.

Use of the Klingon Language in Game Play

It is not required to learn the Klingon language in order to play one on Federation Space. This page, and speaking Klingonese in-character, is simply a way to add color to one's role-playing.

The following list is a small example of some Klingon phrases. You may find different translations on the Internet, as the nature of language itself is to adapt, evolve and change. The translations given on this page have been taken from "The Klingon Dictionary" book, and the computer program "pojwI' for Windows."

If you cannot find a translation that has already been made, you are encouraged to make your best estimation, or if you feel so inclined, invent it!

Titles

See main page for Ranks

Command

Commanding Officer - Duj ra'wI' (TKD) or simpy ra'wI'
Executive Officer - yaSpIn

Officers

Operations Officer - ghIghpIn
Engineering Officer - jonpIn (pojwI')
Science Officer - QeDpIn (TKD)
Medical Officer - HerghpIn , can also be Ship's Doctor - DujDaj Qel (TKD)

Crew

Engineer - jonwI' (TKD)
Scientist - tej (TKD)
Medic - HerghwI'

Common Words

bangwI’ - my love (term of endearment) (TKD)
batlh - honor (noun); honored, with honor (adverbial) (TKD)
ghargh - serpent, worm (TKD)
HIja’/HISlaH - Yes, true (answer to yes/no question) (TKD)
ghobe’ - No (answer to yes/no question) (TKD)
ghoS - Proceed (TKD)
Ha’ - Let’s go! Come on! (TKD)
HIv - attack (TKD)
Hoqra’ - tricorder (TKD)
jagh - enemy (TKD)
jaw/joH - lord (TKD)
joHwI’ - my lord (TKD)
la’/ra’wI’ - commander (i.e. commanding officer; NOT the rank) (TKD)
luq/lu’ - yes, okay, I will (TKD)
maj - good (expressing satisfaction) (TKD)
majQa’ - well done, very good (TKD)
nuqneH - What do you want? (Used as greeting) (TKD)
pItlh - Done! (TKD)
qaH - sir (TKD)
Qapla’ - Success (common greeting/send off) (TKD)
Qel - doctor, physician (TKD)
Qo’ - no, I won’t, I refuse (TKD)
SuH/Su’ - Ready! (to give a command or to do something; the arrangements have been made) (TKD)
toH - Well! So! (equivalent to English “Aha!”) (TKD)
tlhIngan - Klingon (TKD)
tlhIngan wo’ - Klingon Empire (TKD)
wejpuH - Charming. (used only ironically) (TKD)
yaS - officer (TKD)
‘eH - Ready! (to give a command) (TKD)