Learn Hittite: Ancient Phrases, Vocabulary & Culture
Basic Hittite Greetings & Phrases
Alwanzatar – Well-being, Hello (informal)
Šalliš alwanzatar – May you have great health (formal greeting)
Kuiš zik? – What’s your name?
Zinammiš [name]-aš – My name is ...
Zinan – Name
Kuwatqa ištamašša? – Where are you from?
Hattušašqa – I am from Hattusa
Kuwapi daiš? – Where do you live?
Kanesh daiš – I live in Kanesh
Famous Hittite Expressions
“Tarḫunnaš šalliš išḫāš.” – Tarhunt is the great lord.
“Arinnaš ḫannaš ištarna.” – The Sun Goddess of Arinna is among us.
“Šuppiluliumaš šarraš katta.” – Suppiluliuma, the king descends.
“Kupantaš kurur nu.” – The enemy is now defeated.
“Išḫāš linkiya katta.” – The lord swears the oath.
Common Hittite Vocabulary
- Anu – Sky
- Šiuš – God
- Tēkan – Earth
- Ḫaššuš – King
- Linkiya – Oath
- Ḫannaš – Goddess
- Išḫāš – Lord
- Šalliš – Great
- Kurur – Enemy
- Watar – Water
- Parna – House
- Šeš – Son
- Utne – Land
- Kaš – Beer
- Zitḫari – Seed
The Legacy of the Hittites
The Hittites were a major power in ancient Anatolia, known for their sophisticated empire centered in Hattusa. Through their adoption of cuneiform writing, they recorded laws, treaties, and religious texts, offering deep insights into their society.
Hittite culture featured a complex pantheon, advanced diplomacy (e.g., the Treaty of Kadesh), and innovations in chariot warfare and architecture. Their legacy endures in legal systems, Indo-European linguistics, and archaeological discoveries.
Note: Hittite is an extinct language. Our understanding is reconstructed from cuneiform tablets and scholarly research.
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