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Dialect comparison

Kurmanji vs Zaza

Compare two dialects of Kurdish side by side — where they're spoken, what they're called, and how they relate.

Kurmanji

The most widely spoken Kurdish variety, used across southeast Turkey, northern Syria, and parts of Iraq and Iran.

Speakers (approx.)
15,000,000
Approximate centre
37.50°, 41.50°
Zaza

Spoken in eastern Turkey. Closely related to Kurdish varieties, with its own grammar and vocabulary.

Spoken in
Approximate centre
38.70°, 39.50°

How to read this comparison

Which one to learn

Start with Kurmanji or Zaza based on the community, country, or media you expect to use most.

Mutual understanding

Shared language labels do not guarantee identical speech. Compare country coverage, aliases, and audio where available.

Where to go next

Open each dialect page for sources, nearby varieties, atlas context, and app availability.

Keep exploring

Read the full picture of Kurdish and the dialects within it.

Open Kurdish →Kurmanji →Zaza →Explore the atlas →

More comparisons

Bahdini vs Kurmanji →Bahdini vs Zaza →Hawrami vs Kurmanji →Hawrami vs Zaza →Kurmanji vs Sorani →Sorani vs Zaza →

Continue exploring

DialectKurmanjiThe most widely spoken Kurdish variety, used across southeast Turkey, northern Syria, and parts of Iraq and Iran.DialectZazaSpoken in eastern Turkey. Closely related to Kurdish varieties, with its own grammar and vocabulary.CompareBahdini vs KurmanjiAtlasExplore the atlasRead the full picture of Kurdish and the dialects within it.