Klingon culture revolves around honour, battle, and a refusal to back down. If you want to speak like a true warrior, you’ll need more than just nuqneH (hello). Here are 10 key phrases that define the Klingon honour code.
1. Heghlu’meH QaQ jajvam
Heghlu’meH QaQ jajvam
/ˈhɛɣ.luʔ.mɛx qʰɑqʰ ˈd͡ʒɑd͡ʒ.vɑm/“Today is a good day to die”
The ultimate declaration of courage. A Klingon says this when ready to face death with honour.
2. Qapla’
Qapla’
/qʰɑpʰˈlɑʔ/“Success”
Used both as a greeting and a victory cry. It’s the Klingon equivalent of “Break a leg.”
3. tlhIngan maH
tlhIngan maH
/t͡ɬɪˈŋɑn mɑx/“We are Klingon”
A statement of pride in one’s heritage. Often used in speeches or before battle.
4. batlh jegh
batlh jegh
/bɑt͡ɬ d͡ʒɛɣ/“Honour or death”
A refusal to surrender. The Klingon version of “Give me liberty or give me death.”
5. jaghpu’wI’ Daj Qub
jaghpu’wI’ Daj Qub
/ˈd͡ʒɑɣ.puʔ.wɪʔ dɑd͡ʒ qʰub/“My enemies are worthless”
A taunt directed at foes. Use sparingly - unless you’re ready to back it up.
6. bortaS bIr jablu’DI’ reH QaQqu’ nay’
bortaS bIr jablu’DI’ reH QaQqu’ nay’
/ˈbor.tʰɑʂ bɪr ˈd͡ʒɑ.bluʔ.ɖɪʔ rɛx qʰɑqʰ.qʰuʔ nɑjʔ/“Revenge is a dish best served cold”
A famous Klingon proverb. Patience in vengeance is a virtue.
7. vaj DujDaj HoHpu’
vaj DujDaj HoHpu’
/vɑd͡ʒ ˈdud͡ʒ.dɑd͡ʒ ˈxox.pʰuʔ/“And so, his ship was destroyed”
A phrase used to describe an enemy’s defeat. Often recited in epic tales.
8. qaStaHvIS wa’ ram loSSaD Hugh SIjlaH qetbogh loD
qaStaHvIS wa’ ram loSSaD Hugh SIjlaH qetbogh loD
/qʰɑʂ.tʰɑx.vɪʂ wɑʔ rɑm loʂ.ʂɑd͡ʒ xuɣ ˈʂɪd͡ʒ.lɑx qʰɛtʰ.boɣ loɖ/“Four thousand throats may be cut in one night by a running man”
A grim reminder of Klingon ferocity in battle. Not for the faint-hearted.
9. yIntaHvIS yIn
yIntaHvIS yIn
/ˈjɪn.tʰɑx.vɪʂ jɪn/“While alive, live”
A call to embrace life fully. Even warriors must enjoy the spoils of victory.
10. ghobe’
ghobe’
/ˈɣo.bɛʔ/“No”
Short, blunt, and effective. Klingons don’t mince words.
Want to sharpen your Klingon further? Check out our guide on how learning Klingon improves problem-solving skills.
