Dingizmi

Dingizmi is a phrase used in Uzbek to form a polite yes-no question directed at the listener. It is not a standalone verb; rather, it is a word formed from a verb stem combined with the second-person formal/plural suffix -ingiz and the interrogative particle -mi. The resulting form is used to ask whether the listener has heard, understood, or been informed about something, with the exact meaning depending on the verb it accompanies.

Morphologically, -mi functions as a question marker, while -ingiz signals formality or respect in addressing the listener. The verb stem that precedes these endings provides the action being questioned (for example, hear, read, know, understand). The combination of these elements yields a single, end-position word that conveys both the action and the interpersonal relationship between speaker and listener.

In use, dingizmi appears in formal or polite contexts, such as conversations with elders, colleagues in professional settings, or customer service interactions. It is part of the broader Uzbek system for marking politeness and question forms, allowing speakers to soften inquiries without changing the basic verb tense or aspect. While commonly encountered in speech and writing, its appropriateness depends on social context and relationship between speakers.

Dingizmi thus exemplifies how Uzbek encodes politeness and inquiry within verb-final morphology. It illustrates the language’s approach to turning statements into questions while maintaining a respectful distance in interpersonal communication.