Klingon has several short expressions that function as complete sentences. They are typically used as responses, commands, or strong emotional reactions.

Notes on Usage

• ghobe' and HIja'/HISlaH are most commonly used to answer questions formed by the verb suffix -'a'.
• HIja' and HISlaH (Yes) can be used interchangeably.
• nuqneH is described as a "greeting" but it does not work like "Hello" does, instead it should be used as a question when someone approaches you.
• SuH, Su', and 'eH all signal readiness, usually before giving a command (similar to "Ready! Set! Go!" in English). However, SuH and Su' (but not 'eH) can also mean the speaker is ready to perform an action or that preparations are complete.
  • SuH may be pronounced as a long "SSS", like the English "shhh!" to call for silence.
• pItlh indicates an action or task has been completed, similar to saying "All done!" or "That's it!"
• toH expresses sudden realization or understanding, similar to "Aha!" or "Well then!" in English. It should not be used to start sentences like in the English "So I was walking down the path...".

Klingon Curses

Cursing in Klingon culture is considered an art form, featuring a wide range of colorful insults and general expressions of frustration.

va is a shortened form of Qu'vatlh, and both express frustration or anger. Additionally, the adverbial jay' can be used at the end of a sentence to add strong emotional intensity, often turning the phrase into an invective:

• qaStaH nuq jay' – What the #@%! is happening?