What Language Do They Speak in Kazakhstan?

Header image for Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan is a transcontinental country predominantly located in Central Asia, with a smaller portion in Eastern Europe. Known for its rich natural resources, it is one of the world's leading producers of uranium, oil, and natural gas, contributing to its rapidly growing economy. The country boasts vast, diverse landscapes ranging from mountains and lakes to expansive steppes, offering a mix of traditional nomadic culture and modern urban development.

Languages Spoken

Kazakhstan is a multilingual nation with a diverse linguistic landscape. The official state language is Kazakh, spoken by 83.1% of the population, reflecting the country's cultural heritage. Russian, which has a significant historical presence due to the Soviet era, is spoken by 20.7% of the population and serves as an important language for communication and business. Additionally, several minority languages contribute to Kazakhstan's rich tapestry of cultures. Uyghur is spoken by 1.4% of the people, while Uzbek is spoken by 1.2%, and Ukrainian by 1.1%. These languages highlight the ethnic diversity and historical connections within the region, emphasizing Kazakhstan's role as a vibrant crossroad of Asian and European influences.

Different Languages Spoken in Kazakhstan

Language data last updated 2024 est. from Wikipedia - Kazakhstan

LanguageUsage
Kazakh83.1%
Russian20.7%
Uyghur1.4%
Uzbek1.2%
Ukrainian1.1%
Note: The total may add up to more than 100% as people may speak multiple languages

Useful Kazakh Phrases

Learn these phrases if you're planning on traveling to Kazakhstan

Сәлем

Hello

A basic greeting used any time of the day.

Қалыңыз қалай?

How are you?

Common way to ask someone how they are doing.

Бұл қанша тұрады?

How much does this cost?

Useful when shopping or in a market.

Қайда орналасқан...?

Where is...?

Helpful for asking directions.

Түсінбедім

I don’t understand

Used when you don’t understand what someone is saying.

Learn to speak Kazakh

Interested in speaking Kazakh in Kazakhstan? Using Lingocat you can learn the basics of the language and start speaking in no time with the help of our AI Language Tutors.

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