Vulcan Phrases and Sources

Long ago, I tried to put together a Vulcan phrasebook, because I like Spock, and I had (at the time.) little desire to learn Klingon. Though when I do imagine Klingon spoken, I imagine Commander Kruge instead of Worf. Weird, right? Kruge is something of a poet, I guess. He nailed the Klingon! And he's Christopher Lloyd! Anyway, without further ado, here's my little phrasebook, complete with cited sources.

Ben val navun - Grant us success. (Star Trek III: The Search for Spock)

Dif-tor heh smusma - live long and prosper. (formal greeting/farewell. Star Trek: The Motion Picture)

Sochya eh dif - Peace and long life.(greeting or reply to the "live long and prosper" greeting/farewell.) (Vulcan Language Guide)

Romhalan - Farewell. (informal) (starbase11.de)

Tsi-veh - one particular person - that one. (Vulcan Language Guide)

Tonk’peh - hello, hi, greetings. (Vulcan Language Guide)

Kol-Ut-Shan (VOY) - Concept of  Infinite Diversity in Infinite Combinations.
  “IDIC” in Federation English; first introduced as “iddick” in TOS; Vulcan religion.)

Kash-nohv -Mind-meld/mindmeld (Vulcan Language Guide)

Lasek! - Thanks! (informal)

Nemaiyo - “Thank you!” - a term of appreciation. (source: Vulcan Language Guide, Starfleet Training Manual, copyright 1977; Vulcan Dictionary, 1992 by Bill Richmond)

Ni'droi'ik nar-tor -“I am sorry.” literally translated means "asking forgiveness.” (korsaya.org)

Ong -“and” e.g. Spockong Kirkong (Spock and Kirk); Spock kreylaong plomikong spacura. (Spock eats Vulcan biscuits and plomik soup.)

Ora - “Honourable what?” Phrase meaning “what is this regarding?” [korsaya.org]

Translated Sayings (VLD& VLG)


  “Ozhika -- palik t'kau, ri shaht.”  “Logic (is the) beginning of wisdom, not (the) end.” (Spock in Star Trek VI: “The Undiscovered Country“)

 “Isha nash-veh Vuhlkansu - pontal na'sochya. English: “I too, am a Vulcan. Bred for peace.” (Spock in "The Savage Curtain" Star Trek: TOS Season 3 Episode 15)

 “Gishen worla ihk-banut.” English: “He's never what I expect.”  “Wakli ak'wikman - ot-lan?”English: “What surprises you, lieutenant?” “Ish-veh ni -- komihn.” English: “He’s so…human.” “Kling akhlami buhfik - Saavik-kam.” English: “Nobody’s perfect, Saavik.”

(Spock and Saavik regarding Captain Kirk, Star Trek II: “The Wrath of Khan”)

 If anyone can spare some time for a Klingon lesson, qapla! I'm up for it! Also, let me know if you find other sources of Vulcan language/culture. Star Trek Into Darkness does NOT count, so anything from there or future J.J. Abrahms properties I'll not be accepting! Star Trek 2009 I thought was okay. Next, I'll let you know some of my favorites from Star Trek: The Animated Series, and highlight some disability issues. I should probably review more disability movies too, but it's been a rough week! Dif-tor heh smusma, until then!