Goa'uld Language: Difference between revisions

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; kree chok : No direct translation.  An expression of defiance
; kree chok : No direct translation.  An expression of defiance
; kree ka! kree! kek! : A Jaffa equivalent of  "Ready, Aim, Fire"
; kree ka! kree! kek! : A Jaffa equivalent of  "Ready, Aim, Fire"
; kree lo tak : No direct translation.  Likely "Surrender or die" or "Put Down your weapons" (See also kree shak, shak'na kree, shel norak, tal bet, and tel ko nak)
; kree lo tak : No direct translation.  Likely "Surrender or die" or "Put Down your weapons" (See also kree shak, shak'na kree, shel kree, shel norak, tal bet, and tel ko nak)
; kree lok'nel : No direct translation.  Likely an order to search (See also lok'nel)
; kree lok'nel : No direct translation.  Likely an order to search (See also lok'nel)
; kree mel : Likely translation "take the prisoners away"
; kree mel : Likely translation "take the prisoners away"
; kree shak : Likely translation, "Surrender or die." (See also kree lo tak, shak'na kree, shel norak, tal bet, and tel ko nak)
; kree shak : Likely translation, "Surrender or die." (See also kree lo tak, shak'na kree, shel kree, shel norak, tal bet, and tel ko nak)
; kree shak nel : Loosely translated as "shut up" or "do not question my orders"
; kree shak nel : Loosely translated as "shut up" or "do not question my orders"
; kree shak shel nok : Likely translation, "I will never surrender" or "Death before dishonor." (See also "arik tre'ac te kek")
; kree shak shel nok : Likely translation, "I will never surrender" or "Death before dishonor." (See also "arik tre'ac te kek")
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; seplica : Area of Goa'uld temple where primta not yet implanted in Jaffa are kept.  Looks similar to an aquarium.
; seplica : Area of Goa'uld temple where primta not yet implanted in Jaffa are kept.  Looks similar to an aquarium.
; shaka ha. kree hol mel, goa'uld : "Time to choose who will become the children of the gods."
; shaka ha. kree hol mel, goa'uld : "Time to choose who will become the children of the gods."
; shak'na kree : Likely an order to surrender or die (See also kree lo tak, kree shak, shel norak, tal bet, and tel ko nak)
; shak'na kree : Likely an order to surrender or die (See also kree lo tak, kree shak, shel kree, shel norak, tal bet, and tel ko nak)
; shal : What/ which
; shal : What/ which
; shal kek nem ron / shel kek nem ron : "I too shall die free." Also a code greeting from one rebel/free Jaffa to another (see also tal shakka mel)
; shal kek nem ron / shel kek nem ron : "I too shall die free." Also a code greeting from one rebel/free Jaffa to another (see also tal shakka mel)
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; shal'tek : Likely translation to appear/show yourselves
; shal'tek : Likely translation to appear/show yourselves
; shan'krev'lar : No direct translation.  An exclamation of shock and disgust at cowardice/retreat.
; shan'krev'lar : No direct translation.  An exclamation of shock and disgust at cowardice/retreat.
; shel kree : Likely "surrender" (See also kree lo tak, kree shak, shak'na kree, shel norak, tal bet, and tel ko nak)
; shel mek shel assah / shel mak assah : A Jaffa funeral ritual involving the body being burnt on a pyre.  Also, words spoken at this ritual:  there is no direct translation but likely state that the deceased died an honorable warrior.
; shel mek shel assah / shel mak assah : A Jaffa funeral ritual involving the body being burnt on a pyre.  Also, words spoken at this ritual:  there is no direct translation but likely state that the deceased died an honorable warrior.
; shel norak : Surrender or die (See also kree lo tak, kree shak, shak'na kree, tal bet, and tel ko nak)
; shel norak : Surrender or die (See also kree lo tak, kree shak, shak'na kree, shel kree, tal bet, and tel ko nak)
; shel nok : step forward
; shen'tel : No direct translation.  Likely meaning "why do you call"
; shen'tel : No direct translation.  Likely meaning "why do you call"
; shesh'ta : A Goa'uld unit of currency.  One million shesh'ta is a large reward amount.
; shesh'ta : A Goa'uld unit of currency.  One million shesh'ta is a large reward amount.
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; tal : Die
; tal : Die
; tal'ac : A world that once supported life, but is now extinct
; tal'ac : A world that once supported life, but is now extinct
; tal bet : Surrender/Drop your weapons  (See also kree lo tak, kree shak, shak'na kree, shel norak, tal bet, and tel ko nak)
; tal bet : Surrender/Drop your weapons  (See also kree lo tak, kree shak, shak'na kree, shel kree, shel norak, tal bet, and tel ko nak)
; tal mek. creon te shree. tal mek : "Our love does not end in death."
; tal mek. creon te shree. tal mek : "Our love does not end in death."
; tal'pak'rye : "Falling star"
; tal'pak'rye : "Falling star"
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* [[9.02 "Avalon Part 2" Episode Guide|9.02 "Avalon Part 2"]]
* [[9.02 "Avalon Part 2" Episode Guide|9.02 "Avalon Part 2"]]
* [[9.08 "Babylon" Episode Guide|9.08 "Babylon"]]
* [[9.08 "Babylon" Episode Guide|9.08 "Babylon"]]
* [[9.14 "Stronghold" Episode Guide|9.14 "Stronghold"]]


==Related Articles==
==Related Articles==

Revision as of 22:39, 27 January 2006

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Summary

This language is the main form of communication for the Goa'uld, the Tok'ra, and the Jaffa races. Several human cultures under the rule of the Goa'uld also speak the Goa'uld tongue, either as their main communication or in addition to their own. Though there are several dialects, there appears to be one common to all Goa'uld, Tok'ra, and Jaffa.

The Goa'uld language may have its origins in the Unas language. Since both the Goa'uld and Unas originated from P3X-888, and the first hosts for the Goa'uld were Unas, it is not surprising there are some commonalities in their language. "Kel" is used as an interrogatory in both languages. Also, compare the Goa'uld expression: "Ya duru arik kek onac," which means "I honor he who would kill his god." with the Unas expression: "Ko Keka onac" means "Kill the Goa'uld." Based on this, at least some roots of the Goa'uld language come from the Unas.

Since the Goa'uld first left P3X-888, they have picked up other expressions and language forms from the races they have conquered, such as Arabic, Latin (not to be confused with the medieval Latin of the Ancients), and Mayan (1.02 "Children Of The Gods Part 2", 3.04 "Legacy", 7.01 "Evolution Part 1", respectively). This would explain why there are so many different written and spoken dialects. Many are long forgotten and "obscure." Despite the diversity, many Goa'uld and Jaffa recognize, if not are completely fluent in, several dialects of the language. This fluency is understandable since the Goa'uld lifespan can cross millennia, and the species has genetic memory. They also train their Jaffa, at least the First Primes such as Teal'c, to be equally knowledgeable in the diverse variety of Goa'uld dialects.

Written Language

Heiroglyphs on Goa'uld ha'tak
Page of Goa'uld "book"
Goa'uld text transmission

The written language of the Goa'uld appears as diverse as the spoken varieties. The most common written form of the language looks like Egyptian hieroglyphs. Another form of Goa'uld used by Pelops was the script known on Earth as Linear A (1.09 "Brief Candle"). Archeologists had been unable to translate Linear A for decades, but Teal'c knew the Goa'uld form of the language and was able to translate it with assistance from Dr. Jackson. However, even Dr. Daniel Jackson, the person on Earth most familiar with Goa'uld, did not recognize the language in his grandfather's notes until informed they were an ancient form of Goa'uld by Selmak/Jacob Carter (7.11 "Evolution Part 1"). Like the spoken tongue, the genetic memory and long life-span of the Goa'uld helps them recognize and communicate through a variety of written dialects.

Verbal Communication

The spoken Goa'uld language has very harsh and abrupt tones. Strong consonant sounds, such as "r" and "k" dominate the language. As mentioned above, the Goa'uld language seems to be constantly evolving with many long discarded or little used dialects. There are sometimes several expressions for the same thing. For example, "tal shekka mel" and "shal kek nem ron" both have similar meanings to die free of servitude from any Goa'uld. Because of the militaristic nature of the species, it is not surprising that there are many expressions for "surrender" or "kill". Despite this variety, there seems to be some common Goa'uld dialect that is spoken by most Jaffa and Goa'uld, often using the order of "kree" as a preamble or follow-up to phrases.

How words are combined also seems to alter their meaning completely. "Shal" is part of several Jaffa and Goa'ld expressions, but the meaning of those expressions is very diverse. On the other hand, "kek" means death and weakness, since to be weak in Jaffa and Goa'uld culture would result in death, and several expressions using "kek" imply danger and/or death. Because of this variety of expression, some phrases, even those using recognizable Goa'uld words, are difficult to translate into English.

Goa'uld to English Dictionary

Preamble

This dictionary encompasses terms by various dialects of the Goa'uld, the Tok'ra, and the Jaffa races. It does not encompass human slave cultures under the Goa'uld domain (such as Abydonian), with the one exception of the human/Jaffa culture of Chulak. Also, not every Jaffa/Goa'uld proper name, such as mountain ranges, planets, or people have been included. The exceptions are those that appear very important in the Jaffa mythology, such as Dakara and Kheb.

Untranslatable phrases are listed separately at the bottom of the dictionary. To see the terms as used in the episodes' transcripts, search for the word or phrase in the StargateWiki.

A through G

al'kesh / alkesh
A Goa'uld mid-range bomber space ship
arik
Will not surrender / will not capitulate
arik tre'ac te kek
"We do not surrender, even in death" (See also kree shak shel nok)
arush
Town/village
ashrak
A Goa'uld assassin of the highest rank who carries out the orders of the System Lords.
atuhara
No direct translation. Presumably a welcome/invitation to feast
avidan
"The gods are just."
bashaak
A wooden training staff, similar in size to a staff weapon
cal mah / kal mah
Sanctuary
calak
Soul
chal'til
No direct translation. Refers to young students in learning the ways of Jaffa warriors.
chan'te
No direct translation. From context, likely an order to move forward; scout ahead
Chappa'ai / Chaap'ai / Chaapp'ai / Chapp'ai
Stargate
chel nak
"Very cool" ; an expression of being impressed
chel hol
No direct translation. A statement of hope used in a "pep talk" to Jaffa troops.
chel nok
Seize that one
chel nok mako
Let go
chula
Come
chula a lazla
"Do you come to choose?" (see also lazla)
Dakara
A mythical, holy place where Anubis was said to be raised from the dead and the first Prim'ta ceremony was performed. It is now the capital of the Free Jaffa Nation.
delmac
Crystal (as in the power/control crystals in a tel'tac)
gal a'quel
Likely translation "hand over the item/crystal" (See also macha tre'ac)
goah sha kree! loe goa'uld
Tok'ra password response to a hail from a strange ship
Goa'uld
Goa'uld; gods
go'tak
No direct translation; either a curse or an insult.

H through J

hako kra terak shree
"Banished to oblivion" (see also shree)
hak'tyl / ha'ktyl / haktyl
Liberation
hal mek
Hold your fire
hara'kash
A Goa'uld weapon that fits on two fingers, smaller than a hand device. It is a deadly weapon that can create pain far worse than a hand device.
ha're kree
No direct translation, likely means "be silent" (see shal kree)
harsesis / harcesis / harsiesis
A child of two Goa'uld hosts. Such a child is forbidden and hunted down by rival Goa'ulds because (s)he holds the knowledge of two separate lineages of Goa'uld with no symbiote within him/her.
hasshak / hashak / hassak
No direct translation; an insult, likely meaning "fool"
ha'taaka
A derogatory term for someone vile, worse than a traitor
ha'tak / hatak
A Goa'uld mothership
hilk'sha
"Gods of the underworld" ; "Evil gods"
hok' taur / hok' tar / hoktar
Advanced human; a human who is genetically superior (often by artificial genetic manipulation rather than as natural evolution)
intar
Goa'uld stun weapons used for training. They can take the form of any weapon (including Earth weapons) and are identified by a red crystal as the weapon's magazine/power source
intrum popra ka su na're
"To enter by infiltration"
Jaffa
Jaffa
joma secu / jon es say ko
"Challenge of leadership." It is a Jaffa challenge to the death to determine the worthiness of the victor, and his/her right to lead. If the leader loses, his/her position is taken by the challenger.
jomo se telek
Warrior training (specifically mentioned in the Sodan tradition)

K

kalach shal tek
"Victory or death."
kal mah
Sanctuary (see cal mah)
keest'ra
No direct translation. A call when lost or in distress (i.e. "help").
kek
Death; also Weakness.
kek kel shak
Indirect translation; "You're through/You're finished." A sentence of death.
kek mattet
A challenge (as in challenging to a duel).
kel
interrogatory for How/Why; also a greeting to a superior, such as "Kel Apophis."
kel kek
No direct translation. Likely a curse or challenge
kel ma / kal'ma
No direct translation. Either a curse or "The time grows short."
kel ma lek
Loosely translated as "it's too dangerous to take them with us"
kel mar tokeem
"Revenge by the wearer of horns." It is a rite where a cuckolded husband looks for retribution.
kel nok
Likely translation: "Stop, I noticed something/Something is there/What is this"
kel nok shree
No direct translation. Likely "Stop defiler."
kel'no'reem / kelnoreem
A meditation required by Jaffa in lieu of sleep. It also facilitates the healing process when a Jaffa is ill or injured.
kel'pak
"Where are you?"
kel sha
No direct translation, but has been used as both a familiar greeting and as an acknowledgment such as "by your will"
kel shak / kel shek
An interrogative greeting; no direct translation, but along the lines of "How are you here?" or "What are you doing"
kel shak lo
Ritual battle between warriors to the death. Has been used to determine justice/punishment when the blood of a Sodan warrior has been spilt.
kel'tesh
A well known Jaffa battle tactic of flanking an enemy by attacking on two sides.
kel vak
Dismissed
Kheb
The afterlife for Jaffa; It is also a mythical physical place Jaffa search for to find enlightenment. (In reality, it is a planet where Oma Desala stayed).
kin'dra / kin'tra / kindra
Likely "second-in-command" in Jaffa warrior hierarchy.
klavel ha
Too late
komah ata
Agree to allegiance/The deal is made.
kor mak
A pair of bracelets used by Cronos to transport high value prisoners. One bracelet would be attached to the prisoner, the other to the Jaffa warrior guarding him/her. If either left the other's presence for an extended period of time, both would die.
kornak kree! keena arik Asgard
No direct translation. Context was to stop fighting and listen to an Asgard proposal.
korosh-ni
Loose direct translation "Turn back". It is a sign posted where the Goa'uld have launched a radioactive weapon and the area is unsafe.
kra'mel'kara
No direct translation. Expression used to comfort to a dying rebel Jaffa; reasonable translation of "you die well and with honor."
krantu
Wooden staffs with blades on both ends used by the Sodan Jaffa warriors.
kree
Military order. Loosely translated as attention, listen up, concentrate. Also appears to mean attack, retreat, move out, fall back, fire, cease fire, attention, stand down, etc.
kree chok
No direct translation. An expression of defiance
kree ka! kree! kek!
A Jaffa equivalent of "Ready, Aim, Fire"
kree lo tak
No direct translation. Likely "Surrender or die" or "Put Down your weapons" (See also kree shak, shak'na kree, shel kree, shel norak, tal bet, and tel ko nak)
kree lok'nel
No direct translation. Likely an order to search (See also lok'nel)
kree mel
Likely translation "take the prisoners away"
kree shak
Likely translation, "Surrender or die." (See also kree lo tak, shak'na kree, shel kree, shel norak, tal bet, and tel ko nak)
kree shak nel
Loosely translated as "shut up" or "do not question my orders"
kree shak shel nok
Likely translation, "I will never surrender" or "Death before dishonor." (See also "arik tre'ac te kek")
kree shal
No direct translation. A battle cry, call to arms, cry of vengeance (as in kree shal Moloc)
kree t'ak
Give me your weapon.
kree tal lok
Kneel before your god.
kree tol
Likely translation, "Do not fire"
kreshta
Outcasts
kree tal shal mak! Heru'ur!
An initial ship's hail. No direct translation. Likely a demand for identification and/or a warning that one is trespassing on Heru'ur's territory.
krel tak remoc
No direct translation. It is an order to stop the hyperdrive engines and return to normal space at sublight speeds.

L through O

lazla
Choose
lek tol
A type of farewell.
linvris
A rival league of nine lesser Goa'uld who challenged the System Lords. Now extinct.
lok'nel
An ancient form of martial arts training. (Note also kree lok'nel)
lo tak meta satak Oz
"I am the great and powerful Oz"
lo'tar / lo'taur / lotar
Highest ranking human slave under the Goa'uld
macha tre'ac
Likely translation: Hand over the item/device. (See also gal a'quel)
ma'kree
Report. (As in ordering a status report)
mak shel lo komo ashma
"What do you want in exchange for your assistance?"
mak tal shree
No direct translation. Likely translation: "I need not answer to you, defiler."
mal sharran
"Last Rite" a Jaffa ritual where the primta is removed, and the Jaffa warrior sees visions. It is used when a Jaffa has been brainwashed and continues to the point of death, at which time the Jaffa either breaks through the brainwashing or perishes. (Teal'c is the only one known to survive the ritual).
mastaba
A form of martial arts followed by Imhotep's Jaffa.
mikta
a part of the anatomy, likely referring to the buttocks
mok tal
interrogatory likely meaning Who is?/ Did you say?/What?
mol
All
naquadah / naquada
a mineral essential to make Goa'uld technology work. The element is also found within a Goa'uld's bloodstream.
naquadria
a very powerful, highly unstable variation of Naquadah only found on Kelowna.
nemet kree
Keep away/Stay back.
nish'ta
A biological compound that, once inhaled, infects all tissue in a person's body, including the brain. Once infected, the mind becomes extremely pliable to suggestion, i.e. brainwashing. The effect can be countered by an electrical shock. Once the effect has been reversed, the person becomes immune from further influence by nish'ta.
nok
Likely translation: Stop
obi tan
Halt (used as a threat and order)
onak arik kree
No direct translation; based on context, a refusal to agree to any capitulations
onak ka
A large coalition of Free Jaffa that highly supports High Council member Gerak.
onak kla keela vurok
Loose translation: "Without my help, you cannot defeat the collect forces of the system lords."
onak la hassa, slel
No direct translation. Acknowledgment of an alliance made between system lords.
onak sha sree
A hail/greeting between strangers
onak sha kree! shal goa'uld!
"What god do you worship?"
ona rak
What is offered / what I can offer / my pledge of good will
ona rak ja'do
"There is nothing you can offer to change your fate. I will destroy you."
orac
"Unspeakable" (referring specifically to the Kull warriors in an insulting fashion)
oroc ra, kree mak
"I know everything"/The situation is clear
(Rite of) Ornoc
An antiquated Jaffa ritual done on a wedding night between Jaffa. The details involved in the rite are unclear, but they involve a very sharp blade.

P through S

pel'tak / pel'tac / peltak
Bridge/control room of a ha'tak (mothership)
prata
puberty
prim'ta / primta
An immature/larval Goa'uld symbiote. Primtas are usually incubated in Jaffa wombs. Also, a ceremony of implantation where a Jaffa receives his or her first primta.
re
Come
re nek
No direct translation, likely "Come and worship" or "Hail and worship"
re a'noc
No direct translation, but what is said at the end of time of worship to a Goa'uld
rel'tac
No direct translation, likely meaning "that one" (See Tal shak anfar... in untranslatable section)
rel'tor'key
"Good luck"
rin'kal'noc
"Strategy"
rin nok
Likely translation, "I will not stop."/"I will not join you."
roshna
A chemical substance used to keep the people of Aris Boch subservient to the Goa'uld
rok ona ja kuna. Shel we how'a kek
Likely translation: "It is time for you [untranslated] to die."
seplica
Area of Goa'uld temple where primta not yet implanted in Jaffa are kept. Looks similar to an aquarium.
shaka ha. kree hol mel, goa'uld
"Time to choose who will become the children of the gods."
shak'na kree
Likely an order to surrender or die (See also kree lo tak, kree shak, shel kree, shel norak, tal bet, and tel ko nak)
shal
What/ which
shal kek nem ron / shel kek nem ron
"I too shall die free." Also a code greeting from one rebel/free Jaffa to another (see also tal shakka mel)
shal kek, tal'kree
Loosely translated as orders to: "get to the Stargate, the humans are coming with us."
shal kree
No direct translation. Likely an order to fall back or switch to quiet/stealth mode. Also an order to be quiet (see ha're kree)
shal met
A Jaffa toast used when drinking among friends.
shal nok
Likely translation: Never
shal'ta
No direct translation. Likely an order to bring forth the offering
shal'tai
Likely translation, "soon"
shal'tak / shel'tek / shel'kek
The search has turned up nothing; stop searching
shal'tek
Likely translation to appear/show yourselves
shan'krev'lar
No direct translation. An exclamation of shock and disgust at cowardice/retreat.
shel kree
Likely "surrender" (See also kree lo tak, kree shak, shak'na kree, shel norak, tal bet, and tel ko nak)
shel mek shel assah / shel mak assah
A Jaffa funeral ritual involving the body being burnt on a pyre. Also, words spoken at this ritual: there is no direct translation but likely state that the deceased died an honorable warrior.
shel norak
Surrender or die (See also kree lo tak, kree shak, shak'na kree, shel kree, tal bet, and tel ko nak)
shel nok
step forward
shen'tel
No direct translation. Likely meaning "why do you call"
shesh'ta
A Goa'uld unit of currency. One million shesh'ta is a large reward amount.
shimroa
honeymoon
shol'va
"Traitor" (said in derogatory manner, often with disgust)
shree
No direct translation. Likely trespassers or defilers
si'kree
A warning or scolding, said by Bra'tac when Teal'c spoke back to Apophis. (See also shree, and sarit in untranslatable as possible alternatives)
simka
An archaic term for a fiancee.
Sodan
A legendary group of Jaffa who have not been indentured to any Goa'uld for over five thousand years.

T through Z

tacluchnatagamuntorons
Goa'uld automatic remote sensor weapons (also known as "tacs")
ta'i kree
"Well done"
tak mal arik tiak
"You will not be forgotten." (See also tek mal tiak)
tal
Die
tal'ac
A world that once supported life, but is now extinct
tal bet
Surrender/Drop your weapons (See also kree lo tak, kree shak, shak'na kree, shel kree, shel norak, tal bet, and tel ko nak)
tal mek. creon te shree. tal mek
"Our love does not end in death."
tal'pak'rye
"Falling star"
tal shal mak
Loosely translated, "Identify yourself"
tal shak
No direct translation, likely meaning "Protect/Be on Guard/Be aware"
tal shakka mel
"I die free." (See shal kek nem ron)
tar
Shortened slang for "human" (see Tau'ri)
Tau'ri
Humans from the First World, Earth. Also, sometimes used to refer to the human race generally.
tek ma te/tek matte
A greeting: "Master, well met." It is a greeting of respect; Also has been seen referencing someone respected in the third person (ex: It is Tek ma te Bra'tac).
tek ma tek
A greeting: "Friends, well met." It is a greeting to equals or friends
tek mal tiak
A greeting. No direct translation, but is said to one highly respected. Possible translations could be "You are greatly renowned/remembered by all." (See tak mal arik tiak)
tel kol Jaffa
No direct translation. What Klorel said upon first greeting his father's minions.
tel ko nak
Stop/Halt/Drop your weapons and surrender; surrender or die (See also kree lo tak, kree shak, shak'na kree, shel norak, and tal bet)
tel ma te
A greeting of affection. No direct translation, but used between lovers
tel'tak /tel'tac
A Goa'uld cargo ship.
tim lokeem rel roconnai
No direct translation, but indirectly translated as a summons to gather together
tok
Against (see Tok'ra)
Tok'ra
"Against Ra"; refers to the Goa'uld spawned by Egeria who run an underground movement against other Goa'uld.
to'na a'kel no'tar. zoya noc shom
"I will not tolerate such disrespect from my followers."
tretonin
A medicine synthesized from pulverized symbiotes that replaces a Jaffa's dependance on carrying primtas (Note: word originates from Pangar, but the term has been incorporated into the Jaffa culture under that name, so it is listed here).
trey lan tonik
No direct translation. Likely "Prepare to fire"
vash'nel. vash'nel jal'na
No direct translation. Indicating displeasure at an offering
vo'cum / vo’cume
A communication device used for training. Within it a large, pre-recorded holographic message is projected by the Goa’uld to enforce their authority and that of the commanders over the trainees. The recording can be altered.
ya duru arik kek onac
"I honor he who would kill his god."
ya wan, ya daru
Kneel before your masters/Honor your god
zatarc / za'tarc
A brainwashed individual whose purpose is to assassinate. Part of the zatarc's brainwashing is to commit suicide if the programming is detected.
zatarc detector
A device used by the Tok'ra, made up of a small transmitter attached to the temple and a table top scanner and computer that reads a person's iris. Through direct question and answers, it can detect when someone is being untruthful, even if the person is not consciously lying. Thus, it can detect those who have underwent the zatarc conditioning, as well as act as a foolproof lie detector.
zat'nik'tel / zatn'kitel / zat'n'ktel / zat'nik'katel
A small arms weapon which releases a type of electrical charge, used by Goa'uld and Jaffa. One shot stuns and causes great pain, two shots kill, three shots disintegrate. (also known as "zats")

Untranslatable Expressions

A'kek, shol'va
Jaffa response to announcement their god is a false god (8.19 "Moebius Part 2")
Chel'ets
Order Trofsky gives Jaffa when spots the enemy (Take cover/ over there/ fire?) (3.01 "Into the Fire")
En vada
Warrior response to Ishta after battle (7.10 "Birthright")
Gel'kral'kree'nor
Part of Daniel's coded information to the base trying to coordinate an attack by both the rebel forces and the SGC (8.05 "Icon")
Gonach! / Go'tak!
Insults hurled by Cronus and Nirrti, respectively, at the Asgard summit (3.03 "Fair Game")
Harok, kar'mel
Order Apophis gives to his Jaffa (5.01 "Enemies")
Jaffa! Kree ho'nel! Ho'nel, Jaffa!
What Teal'c says when trying to distract/stop a Jaffa from firing at AU Sam (3.06 "Point of View")
Jaffa, kree! Tel ra nel t'ko!
What Bra'tac says to get other Jaffa to follow him (2.08 "Family")
Jaffa. Lok shak tal makka kree!
Hathor's orders to her Jaffa when SG teams attack the fake SGC base. (3.01 "Into the Fire")
Kal tek shree, tak monak!
What Goa'uld says in response to Daniel's insistence he is the great and powerful Oz. From Daniel's later comments to Jacob, appears to indicate he was not believing Daniel's ruse. (4.12 "Tangent")
Kel'kek mar sholva
Insult/Curse brainwashed Teal'c hurls at Bra'tac (5.02 "Threshold")
Kel mak, Goa'uld! Kree tak!
What Trofsky says to O'Neill thinking he's a Goa'uld (3.01 "Into the Fire")
Kelmac kree, mak'tel'a!
What Trofsky argues to Raully–which O'Neill overhears (2.22 "Out of Mind")
Kel ma kree, Sha'shan, Kel na t'ai, Or'intani, Kel han'dai……Iti Sha'shan han'dai
Lullaby sung to Rya'c (2.08 "Family")
Kel no shol ak'ra
Orders a Jaffa gives to two other guards as they enter a storage room (7.02 "Homecoming")
Kek'shal kree, sholva
Order Teal'c gives his old friend and perceived coward Va'lar in ring room amongst other Jaffa (5.02 "Threshold")
Kel'tek trey! Lo ta'nak
Defiant response by Jaffa to Alt-Teal'c's request to relinquish weapons and surrender (8.20 "Moebius Part 2")
Kel toc no
what Teal'c orders AU Jaffa when holding AU Sam prisoner (3.06 "Point of View")
Koracca aseemu! (Possibly kor mac secu?)
What Cronus argues at the Asgard summit (rough translations for Nirrti and Yu's comments were translated); (3.03 "Fair Game")
Kree! An'oc
Response by Zarin's Jaffa after her death and Teal'c rises saying they must leave (8.10 "Endgame")
Kree Heru'ur! Shel pac herac Apophis!
What Apophis responds to Heru'ur's perceived betrayal and includes an order for ships to decloak and attack. (4.13 "Serpent's Venom")
Kree ho'mel, Goa'uld
What Teal'c orders/announces just before the Goa'uld come to choose hosts (1.02 "Children of the Gods Part 2")
Kree nok
Order by Moloc to Jaffa when Stargate suddenly activates (8.09 "Covenant")
Kree no tel. Reenlokia!
A Jaffa reporting a fast moving ship (Asgard) bearing down on their location according to radar (3.06 "Point of View")
Lo'a'sac
Part of Daniel's coded information to the base trying to coordinate an attack by both the rebel forces and the SGC (8.05 "Icon")
Lor kor harak. Sha mel
What Ba'al says before the ritual feast on symbiotes. (5.16 "Last Stand")
Mak tal shree! Lo tak meta satak Oz!
What Daniel says. The first part could be denial of trespass. The second part has been translated as "I am the great and powerful Oz." (4.12 "Tangent")
Mel nok tee!
Orders Apophis gives to the Jaffa who reported the Asgard ship, Apophis himself was going to continue with the torture of his prisoners, so does not appear to be ordering withdrawal. (3.06 "Point of View")
Mok Tal Oz
What Daniel and the unnamed Jaffa repeat to each other when Daniel tries to bluff his way out of Heru'ur's territory (4.12 "Tangent")
Mol jaffa. Tim lokeem rel roconnai
What Apophis says to his Jaffa (1.22 "Within the Serpents Grasp")
Nemeth kree
What a Jaffa warrior says to a Tok'ra when tempers are raw during a Tok'ra funeral after all were ambushed (6.09 "Allegiance")
Nistra Jarren
What Daniel says when he plants the idea in Yu's head that he is Yu's loyal servant Jarren (5.15 "Summit")
Ona'ka, shel Apophis
How Apophis answers Jacob's initial hail when they are both stranded (5.01 "Enemies")
Onak holka shaka!
What Teal'c says to Cronus after the Goa'uld discover SGC surveillance (3.03 "Fair Game")
Onak Kree
order given by head Jaffa to those guarding the gate (4.03 "Upgrades")
Ona kree! Onak!
What Yu says when he cannot get Jarren's/Daniel's attention (5.15 "Summit")
Re'nok Sholva
Enemy Jaffa's response to Teal'c's "Shal kek nem ron" (8.09 "Sacrifices")
Roc'kree'no. Ma'tal!
What Raully argues to Trofsky–which O'Neill overhears (2.22 "Out of Mind")
Sarit
Orders Jaffa gives two soldiers after something catches his attention. They all become alert and spread out to search the room. (7.02 "Homecoming") (see also Shree and Si'kree)
Shek'mal, Tok'ra. Kree! Jaffa……Shal Kek
What Jaffa state when they reach the wounded, possibly dead O'Neill on his failed escape attempt (6.06 "Abyss")
(Jaffa,) Shel na kree! Kree noc Jaffa!
What Jaffa says/orders/interrogates Teal'c when he comes across Teal'c at the UAV (8.09 "Sacrifices")
Shel nok anree
Order/Question by Ishta to the warriors on ridge after victorious battle (7.10 "Birthright")
Taluk, mak kal'ma. Shal tai……shal tai……shal tai
What Shau'nac says to comfort her symbiote and get it back in its pouch (shal tai has been translated as "not yet" from context and similar expressions used elsewhere relating to time) (4.04 "Crossroads")
Tal shak anfar, tel nor mokan n'ral
Orders a Jaffa gives to two others as they move canisters out of a storage room. (7.02 "Homecoming") (see Tal shak = be careful/on guard; also see Rel tac)
Tel kol, Apophis
A Jaffa interrupting Apophis to report urgent news (3.06 "Point of View")
To kel shen
What Haikon orders the guards (likely "Take him back" or other order of dismissal) (9.08 "Babylon")
Treena arik croonaka shol'va!
What Cronus says to Teal'c when he's angry about being monitored by the Tau'ri (3.03 "Fair Game")
Tyger. A-lada spryng
What Apophis says at end of attack on SGC (1.01 "Children of the Gods Part 1")

Episodes

Related Articles

Further Reading

For further information on some of the real ancient Earth languages that inspired the Goa’uld dialects:

Ancient Languages

Hieroglyphs

Latin

Linear A

Mayan


Aurora Novarum 5 December 2005