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What does 'batono' mean in Georgian?

A polite form of address and why people say it on the phone.

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Short answer

Batono (ბატონო) is a polite way to address a man, roughly 'sir', and a woman is addressed as kalbatono (ქალბატონო). They are used with elders, strangers and in formal settings, often with a first name: batono Giorgi. People also say batono when answering the phone or asking someone to repeat, meaning 'yes?' or 'I'm listening'.

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Why

  1. Without the vocative ending the word is batoni (ბატონი), 'sir'.
  2. Kalbatono, 'madam', is also often followed by a first name.
  3. Using batono with a first name sounds respectful but not cold.

Details

If unsure how to address someone, batono and kalbatono are always appropriate. Don't use them with friends, as it sounds too formal.

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The transliteration is approximate; the Georgian spelling gives the pronunciation most accurately.

Russian-Georgian phrasebook

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