Qunlat is the Qunari language.[1] As a rule Qunari have little use for communication beyond its necessities. When speaking to those who do not follow the Qun, their statements are often laconic, with a kind of underlying condescension. Metaphor is an integral part of the language, and words usually have multiple meanings depending on context.[2]
Few among the Qun's people speak the common tongue, and fewer speak it well. In a culture that strives for mastery, to have only a passable degree of skill is perhaps embarrassing, so Qunari often keep quiet among foreigners. They have a reputation for never volunteering for conversation with strangers, and few outsiders ever hear them speaking among themselves.[3]
Vocabulary[]
A[]
- Aad: Translation unknown; used as a suffix in many Qunari military ranks.
- Aban:[4][5]The sea.[confirmation needed]
- Adaar:[6][7] A ship-mounted cannon; literally "fire thrower." Also means "Weapon" as Iron Bull puts it while talking about his name to a Qunari Inquisitor
- Anaan:[8][9] Victory
- Antaam:[10][11] Literally "body;" a name for the Qunari army. Also means "cuirass."
- Aquaam:[11] Glove or light vambrace.
- Aqun:[9] Balance.
- Aqun-Athlok:[12] One who is "born as one gender but lives like another."
- Ari: Exact meaning unknown; used as a prefix to denote singular or leadership, and as a suffix to denote a group.
- Arigena:[13] One of the Triumvirate; female, leader of the workers. She is responsible for ensuring her people's physical needs are met and public health.
- Ariqun:[13] One of the Triumvirate; male or female, leader of the priesthood. They are responsible for pushing scientific progress and ensuring the Qun is taught.
- Arishok:[10][13] One of the Triumvirate; male, leader of the army. He is responsible for defending his people and expanding Qunari territory. The Arishok is sometimes mistaken for a king by outsiders.
- Armaas: [14]Meaning unknown.
- Arvaarad:[15] "One who holds back evil;" a Qunari who watches over the saarebas (Qunari mages) and hunts Tal-Vashoth.
- Asaara:[16] Wind.
- Asaaranda:[17] Thunderstorm.
- Asaarash: A special breed of horses from Rivain that are used by the Antaam.
- Asabas:[11] Light or reinforced hat.
- Asala:[9] Soul.
- Asala-taar:[3] "Soul sickness;" a Qunari combat ailment that seems analogous to a combat stress reaction, or even post-traumatic stress disorder. It is an epidemic in Seheron, where statistically two soldiers contract it for every one casualty. Sufferers are usually removed from combat and reassigned among the priesthood and workers.
- Asalaa: [11] Helmet.
- Ash:[8] "To seek."
- Ashaad:[8][18][5] "Scout." One of them with a sense of humor appears in Sten's dream. In Dragon Age II - a ranged Qunari warrior.
- Ashkaari:[8][19][20] "One who seeks," or "one who thinks;" scientists, philosophers, or those who have found enlightenment. Ashkaari Koslun uses this title.
- Astaarit:[4] (It) "rises."
- Ataas: Meaning unknown.
- Ataash:[9] Glory.
- Ataashi:[21] Dragon; literally "glorious one(s)."
- Athlok:[22][16] Laborer. The mind, the earth.
B[]
- Baqoun:[23] Meaning unknown; used to assault Minrathous's walls during the Storm Age. Based on context, it's most likely a type of cannon or projectile siege weapon.
- Bas:[8][9][11] Literally, "thing;" foreign to the Qun; purposeless. Often used as a neutral term to describe non-Qunari people. Also used after a weapon name to denote it is intended for mages. (Example: Saartoh-Bas Kos Katoh)
- Basalit-an:[24] A non-Qunari worthy of respect.
- Basra: Rude term for non-Qunari people.
- Bas-taar: Keeper of bas. A role within the Antaam.[25]
- Basvaarad:[18][26][27] Literally, a keeper for a mage who is a "bas." This usually refers to templars, but not necessarily; Hawke was considered a basvaraad "worthy of following" by a Qunari saarebas. Essentially, a non-Qunari who assumes the role of an arvaarad.
- Ben-Hassrath:[28][29] "Heart of the many," part of the priesthood who serve as spies, reeducators, and the defenders of Qunari unity. They are the enforcers of the Qun's law, and infamously severe to those who transgress against it.
- Beresaad:[8][10][1] Literally means "those who reach ahead." The vanguard of the antaam, sent abroad to interact with the outside world. Though they are soldiers first and foremost, they also function as the Qunari's diplomats, surveyors, foreign trade administrators, and investigate foreign lands and cultures on the Arishok's behalf.
- Beres-taar: [30] Shield.
- Besrathari:[28] A recruiter and trainer of the Ben-Hassrath.
D[]
- Darvaarad:[31] A location under the supervision of the Ben-Hassrath that quarantines magical artifacts.
- Dathras:[5] Cattle; a root word for many qunlat animal names.
- Dathrasi:[24] A type of animal. Used as a derogatory term against indulgent individuals, comparable to the pig. The Arishok calls all the nobles in the viscount's throne room this before Hawke enters the hall.
- Defransdim:[32] Male genitals.
E[]
- Ebadim:[33] "They all are."
- Ebasaam:[33] "We all are."
- Ebasit:[34] "It is."
- Ebost:[8][33] "Return" in "Return to dust!" Can also be translated as "You all are."
- Esaam:[4][8] "Can be found in" or "exists in the location of."
- Eva:[11] "Basic," or "beginner." Used after an item name to denote it is intended for neophyte users, or is of cheap quality. (Example: Valo-Kas Eva)
G[]
- Gaatlok:[9] A black, non-magical explosive powder unique to the Qunari. It's not as powerful as magic, but can be used by anyone. There is no literal translation, the word derives from "death," "earth," and "glory."
- Gatt:[35]. Meaning unknown, a nickname given by Iron Bull to a Ben-Hassrath agent. The terms derives from gaatlok, and refers to his temper.
H[]
- Herah:[36] Time.
- Hissera:[37] Hope.
- Hissra:[4][8][38][5] "Illusion"; Also used to refer to deities.
- Hissrad:[20] "Keeper of Illusions;" liar. Iron Bull's name/title while he was stationed in Seheron.
I[]
- Imekari:[9][19] Child.
- Imesaar-bas[39] Used to describe a child that was tempted and corrupted by demons.
- Iss:[11] "Experienced." Used after an item name to denote it is intended for veteran users, or is of moderate quality. (Example: Valo-Kas Iss)
- Issala:[8][5] Dust.
- Isskari:[40] A title/rank in the Ben-Hassrath; Duties include the retrieval of magical artifacts.
- Issqun:[9] Mastery.
- Itwa-adim:[41] "They all fall."
- Itwa-ost:[41]"You all fall."
- Itwasaam:[41] "We all fall."
- Itwasit:[4] (It) "Falls."
K[]
- Kaaras:[36] Navigator.
- Kabethari:[8][9][29] "Simple person." Term used for those living in recently conquered lands and captives who haven't yet been indoctrinated into the Qun.
- Kadan:[8][5] Literally, "where the heart lies;" friend. An all-purpose word for a "person one cares about," including colleagues, friends and loved ones. Also means "the center of the chest."
- Karasaad:[18] Mid-rank infantry soldier. In Dragon Age II – a melee Qunari warrior.
- Karashok:[8][18][42][5] Infantry private. One appears in Sten's dream, the latter states the former was decapitated by darkspawn. In Dragon Age II - a melee Qunari warrior. In Trespasser - a foot soldier.
- Karasten:[43][5] Infantry commander; corporal.
- Karataam:[18] An infantry platoon. Ketojan was separated from his during the events of "Shepherding Wolves."
- Kas:[11] Suffix denoting a weapon intended for melee. (Example: Valo-Kas Eva). Derived from the word for "soldier."
- Kasaanda:[44] "Sundew;" a carnivorous plant.
- Kata:[24][5] The end, death.
- Katara:[8] (You) die, as in "Die, thing!"
- Katari:[45] "One who brings death."
- Kathaban:[3] Leader of the Qunari naval forces; the admiral.
- Katoh: [11] "Ending" or "achievement." Used after an item name to denote it is intended for master users, or is of masterwork quality. (Example: Valo-Kas Katoh). The Iron Bull uses this as a "watchword" (safeword) when romancing the Inquisitor.
- Kith:[46] A small military unit, comparable to a squad or company.
- Kithshok:[44] Leaders of the Qunari army of Seheron; a general; They also are in charge of negotiating trade between the Qunari and foreign traders at ports.
- Kos:[11] "A type of energy associated with nature;" refers to nature damage from a mage's staff.
- Kost:[8] Peace.
- Kossith: The name for the Qunari before the founding of the Qun.[47]
M[]
- Maraas:[4][48][5] "Nothing" or "alone."
- Maraas-Lok:[49] A kind of strong Qunari alcohol; possibly also the verb "to drink."
- Mashev:[50] Either the name for a kind of gruel or a command to eat.
- Meraad:[4] Tide.
- Meravas:[24] "So shall it be."
- Mertam:[11] Light boot.
N[]
- Na'thek:[51] Meaning unknown but based on context possibly "As you wish."
- Nehraa:[8] "For," as in "For the Qunari!"
- Nehrappan:[11] Belt.
- Notas:[11] Gauntlet or vambrace.
P[]
Q[]
- Qamek:[9] Substance used by the reeducators to turn those who refuse to convert into mindless laborers, functionally lobotomizing those subjected to it. It's automatically used on captured mages, who are viewed as being beyond salvation. In Dragon Age: Those Who Speak, it resembles a flaming orb.
- Qalaba:[9] A type of cow that the Qunari breed known for its stupidity.
- Qun: The central philosophy of the Qunari peoples.
- Qunari: People of the Qun. A religious description, not race specific.
- Qunoran vehl:[9][52] A mentor, one who is an example to others. A Qunari can only be declared "Qunoran vehl" by the Arishok, and only after their death.
R[]
- Ralshokra:[53] Said to be a military challenge where the higher ranks are fought for and defended to the death. The term originated in Orlais during the Storm Age, first used in a popular children's story intended to demonize the invading qunari race. In reality, the Qunari have never engaged in this barbaric practice.
- Raas:[39] "Nothing;" used as a hyphenated adjective. (Example: Imekari-raas would mean "Child Nothing.")
- Rasaan:[54] "Emissary," or "chosen heir;'" the Ariqun's successor, and as such, acts as their representative abroad. Also serves as the spiritual adviser to the Arishok, and accompanies him on expeditions.
- Rethadim:[55] "They all protect."
- Rethost:[55] "You all protect."
- Rethsaam:[55] "We all protect."
S[]
- Saam:[39] Something;" used as a hyphenated adjective. (Example: Imekari-saam would mean "Child Something.")
- Saar:[11] "Dangerous." Most commonly associated with saarebas. Also used as a prefix to describe light or cloth armor.
- Saarbrak: A role within the Ben-Hassrath.[25]
- Saar-qamek:[24] Poison that causes madness.
- Saarebas:[15] "Dangerous thing;" the Qunari word and title for their mages. A "bas saarebas" denotes a non-Qunari mage.
- Saartoh-bas:[11] Mage's staff. Additional adjectives indicate the type of damage it deals. (Example: Saartoh-Bas Tic Eva deals cold.)
- Saartoh Nehrappan:[56][57][58] A leather-wrapped rod attached to a harness. In modern parlance: "a strap on."
- Saarath:[59] A title/rank among the Saarebas.
- Sata-kas:[11] Maul.
- Sataam:[11] Boot or greave.
- Sataari:[60][61][62] "First guy on the ground." A type of shock trooper in the Beresaad.
- Salasari:[13] Triumvirate.
- Sataareth:[63] Literally "that which upholds;" an enforcer, defender, or foundation.
- Salit:[64] Meaning unknown; a prominent rank within the Ben-Hassrath.
- Say:[8] With.
- Shanedan:[8] Literally, "I'll hear you." A respectful greeting.
- Shok:[4][8][5] "War" or "struggle."
- Shokrakar:[65] Rebel.
- Sten:[8][5] Infantry platoon commander.
- Sataa:[5] The world.
T[]
- Taam-kas:[11][5] Greataxe, or battle axe.
- Taam-kasari:[66] "The one with the battleaxe." A type of shock trooper in the Beresaad.
- Taamsala:[11] Amulet. By itself, used to describe a generic amulet, but usually succeeded by a designation of skill level such as "eva," "iss," or "katoh."
- Taar:[11] Prefix used to describe heavy armor. Derived from the word for "death".
- Taaras:[11] Light mail or doublet.
- Taarbas: A title/rank of Qunari, apparently clerical in nature; duties include cataloging inventory, and locating the weapons of Qunari fallen.
- Taardathras:[67] A title/rank of Qunari; duties include animal husbandry. Current examples are female and raise/extract venom from dragons.
- Taarlok:[68] A title/rank of Qunari.
- Taashath:[69] Calm.
- Tal: "True," see Tal-Vashoth.
- Tallis:[22] "To solve."
- Tal-Vashoth:[70] "True Grey Ones." Former members of the Qunari who have departed or been exiled from their people and home. Many are violent rebels and turn against the Qunari, and are a menace in the north where they raid human and Qunari settlements alike. Others simply want to live their own life.
- Tamassran:[19] "Those who speak." A priestess who is charged with educating the young, interviewing captives, and assigning Qunari their roles within society. Exclusively a role for women.
- Tic:[11] Cold; refers to cold damage from a mage's staff.
V[]
- Valo-kas:[11] Greatsword.
- Vasaad:[71] A title/rank of Qunari.
- Vashedan:[8] Crap (literally "refuse" or "trash."); A common profanity.
- Vashoth:[45][70][72] "Grey Ones;" those of the qunari race that were born outside the Qun. It also refers to those who have rejected the Qun but not turned against it. The term tends to be used interchangeably with Tal-Vashoth, but the Vashoth are not rebels.
- Vat:[11] Fire; refers to fire damage from a mage's staff.
- Vidathiss:[73] A rank within the priesthood; a re-educator for captured and conquered peoples.
- Viddasala:[31] "One who converts purpose." A high-ranking member of the Ben-Hassrath. Leader of the "Dangerous Purpose" branch of the Ben-Hassrath triumvirate, which handles the conversion of foreigners, the reeducation of Qunari dissidents, and the collection and quarantine of magic.
- Viddathari:[9][24] A convert to the Qun.
- Viddathlok:[29] A temple of healing and recovery; Ben-Hassrath also take unruly captives here for re-education.
- Viddath-bas:[74] Person turned into a mindless laborer with qamek.
- Vitaar:[75] "Poison Armor." A warpaint used by the Qunari that is toxic to other races and has a metal-like quality once applied to the skin.
Phrases and idioms[]
- Alat kafir a'bas: Meaning unknown, said by a Tal-Vashoth to Tallis during an interrogation.
- Asay hassatra maas: Meaning unknown; spoken by Tallis to Duke Prosper upon their discovery.
- Asit tal-eb:[76] "The way things are meant to be." or "It is to be." A driving principle of the Qunari philosophy.
- Ataash varin kata:[24] "In the end lies glory."
- Ataas shokra: "Glorious struggle". used as a greeting by a Tal-Vashoth leader to Tallis.
- Atasra val: Meaning unknown, said by Tallis short time before she kills a Tal-Vashoth.
- Arishokost. Maraas shokra. Anaan esaam Qun: "Peace, Arishok. There's nothing to struggle against. Victory is in the Qun." Spoken by Fenris upon Hawke's first meeting with the Arishok.
- Basra Vashedan: Used to refer to non-Qunari ideas, and sometimes, people; "foreigner trash."
- Ebala Maraas. Ben'dar Salit-asit?: Used by Tallis to ask for the location of Salit.
- Ebasit kata itwa-ost.:[34] "It is ended. You all have fallen."
- Fazha thrin:[77] Meaning unknown but based on context possibly "Leave us."
- Hass ebala-varaad nehraa: "For those I watch, of which I am one."[25]
- Koshot asit lok: Meaning unknown, said by the Arishok during the battle if a duel is declined.
- Maas avastrasa kulun: Meaning unknown, answered by Prosper to the previous statement of Tallis.
- Maraas imekari:[18] "A child bleating without meaning."
- Maraas kata: "Nothing is ended."
- Maraas toh ebra-shok: Said to Hawke by the Arishok in the Viscount's Keep if Hawke has previously earned the respect of the Arishok.
- Meravas katara: A combination of "so shall it be" and "(you) die."[78]
- Nehraa sataa karasaam: Meaning unknown; spoken by Arvaarad to his men in Shepherding Wolves.
- Nehraa aqun ebra kata Arvaarad: Meaning unknown; spoken by Arvaarad to Saarebas, resulting in his voluntary execution when given the choice to submit to the Qun.
- Noms daar vat:[79]Said by an Antivan Crow pretending to be Qunari. She loosely translates it as "The sweet bread is burning."
- Saatareth barek: Meaning unknown, said by a Tal-Vashoth to Tallis during an interrogation.
- Shok ebasit hissra. Meraad astaarit, meraad itwasit, aban aqun. Maraas shokra. Anaan esaam Qun: "Struggle is an illusion. The tide rises, the tide falls, but the sea is changeless. There is nothing to struggle against. Victory is in the Qun." Extract from the Qun from Qunari Prayers for the Dead. Sten can be overheard reciting these lines while in caged in Lothering.
- Sten haas-toh! Bas nehersaam saata shok!:[80] Meaning unknown.
- Sten, shok basra vashedan taam!:[79] Said by an Antivan Crow pretending to be Qunari. Possibly a call to arms.
- Taarsidath-an halsaam:[81] "I will bring myself sexual pleasure later, while thinking about this with great respect."
- Teth a: A call for attention, or warning.
- Vinek kathas: An order to attack or kill. Another possible meaning is "Seize them."
Sten's battle cries[]
Phrases used by Sten as battle cries[8]:
- Ataash Qunari!: Glory to the Qunari!
- Nehraa Beresaad! For the vanguard!
- Katara, bas!: Die, thing!
- Ebost issala!: Return to dust!
- Ashkost say hissra!: Seek peace with your gods!
- Nehraa kadan!: For my brothers!
- Anaan esaam Qun!: Victory in the Qun!
- Nehraa Koslun!: For the sake of the prophet!
- Ashkost kata!: You are seeking death!
- Nehraa Qun!: For the Qun!
- Stel brak!: meaning unknown.
Soldiers at rest[]
Phrases spoken by soldiers at rest, loosely translated by Philliam, a Bard!.[32]
- Meraad astaarit, meraad itwasit, aban aqun.: The tide rises, the tide falls, the sea is unchanged.
- Var-toh katashok, ebadim maraas issala toh: They will struggle, and we will turn them into nothing.
- Arishokost ebra sala. Seerkata tost eb na shoh: The Arishok will see to it. That, or everyone dies.
- Kadanshok defransdim vashedan!: You will struggle with your wounded intimate friends! (Seems dockside in nature. More colloquially, "I shall use my foot to assault you in the genitals.")
- Defransdim vasebra nehraa issala shok: I'm now struggling with discomfort among my small friends. (In response to the assault by the previously mentioned foot?)
- Sataareth kadan hass-toh issala ebasit: It is my purpose to do what I must for those I consider important.
- Ebadim vashedan Tal-Vashoth, ebra-hissal eva-lok defransdim: Those excremental Tal-Vashoth can go do something explicit with my intimate friends. (Philliam surmises that tone of phrase indicates this means genitals.)
- Ebsaam ver-toh kata, ir-vah vashtoh notas-taar: We're going to lose people in combat if we don't get better gloves than this excrement.
- Ebra Karasaad vashetoh saar-qalaba kata: The soldier above me has excrement for tactics and will die like a cow.
- Ebatot tal-eb noms. Asit hera iss-nal tal-eb. As-eb vashe-qalab!: We were told there would be cake. Midweek was when it was to be. This is akin to qalaba excrement! (More colloquially: "This is bullshit!")
- Asit zabuk-toh maraas eblok. Kappan maraas tal-eb: It's because of the priests' hats that I never go to the temples. It has to be fur caps or nothing.
- Shanedan, pashaara. Ebost antir vantaam vasheb-sa karatoh: I hear you. Enough. You're tired of the excrement your superior has been giving you. (More colloquially: "Give it a rest, why don't you?")
- Ebasit Ben-Hassrath maraas-toh, tal-eb iss mer-toh ari-van: The Ben-Hassrath will make you disappear if you don't shut up.
- Ebadim beresaad hissra-toh ataash. Vashedan katoh-qalaba: Those beresaad think they are so special. Foolish glory animals.
- Bazvaarad? Ebasit vash-issra sataa: Foreigners controlling mages? This place is a fecal illusion.
- Ebadim astaar, Qunari itwa-toh. Asit tal-eb: They will rise, and the Qunari will cause them to fall. That's how it will be.
- Bas ebadim qalaba, ebsaam asit tal-eb: These foreigners are cattle. Our way is better and inevitable.
Translation only[]
- A broken sword is a hundred nails waiting to become.[27]
- Running around with clothing stuck in your horns: To be caught unprepared.[82]
- Grasp your foes in the jaws of the aban-ataashi: crush them utterly and leave no trace of their existence.[83]
Gallery[]
Writings of the Ashkaari Koslun in a Qunari prison cell
Rasaan explains why she wants her prisoner's name
Qunlat text found etched into metal horn coverings in Dragon Age: Inquisition
References[]
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