If you're traveling to Turkey or just want to improve your Turkish skills, daily greetings and expressions are essential. These short and simple phrases will help you connect with locals and show respect for their culture and language. In this introduction, you'll learn more about the meaning and usage of these basic Turkish expressions. From simple greetings like “Merhaba” (Hello) and “Nasılsınız?” (How are you?) to polite expressions like “Teşekkür ederim” (Thank you) and “Lütfen” (Please), these expressions cover a wide range of situations . Whether you're strolling through the bazaars, ordering at a cafe, or just want to have a friendly chat with the locals, these greetings and expressions will help you navigate Turkish culture and enjoy an enjoyable travel experience.
Essential Turkish Greetings and Responses for everyday use that you can use again and again
How do you say “good morning” in Turkish? (Günaydin)
“Good morning” in Turkish means “Günaydın”. This greeting is commonly used when meeting someone in the morning. For example, if you arrive at a cafe in Turkey and greet the waiter, you might say, "Günaydın, I would like some coffee."
Here are more examples of using “Günaydın”:
- When you meet your family at the breakfast table, you can say: “Günaydın, how did you sleep?”
- When you arrive at your workplace and meet your colleagues, you could say: “Günaydın, are you having a good start to the day?”
- Or if you meet a friend on the street, you could simply say, “Günaydın, how are you?”
“Günaydın” is a polite and friendly way to start the day and greet each other.
How do you say “Hello” in Turkish? (Merhaba)
In Turkish you say “Merhaba” to say hello. This greeting is very general and can be used at any time of the day.
For example:
- When you go into a store, you might greet the clerk with “Merhaba” before making your purchases.
- If you meet someone you know on the street, you could also say “Merhaba” to say hello and greet each other.
- Even on the phone, people are often greeted with “Merhaba” when answering a call.
“Merhaba” is a friendly and informal way of greeting someone and is used in many situations to express politeness and friendliness.
How do you say “Good evening” in Turkish? (İyi akşamlar)
In Turkish we say “İyi akşamlar” to say good evening.
For example:
- When you go to a restaurant in the evening and greet the waiter, you could say, “İyi akşamlar, a table for two, please.”
- When you come home after a long day and meet your family, you could greet them with “İyi akşamlar” to wish them good evening.
- If you are taking a walk in the evening and pass a neighbor, you could also say “İyi akşamlar” as a polite greeting.
“Iyi akşamlar” is a polite and formal way of saying good evening and is mostly used in the late afternoon and evening.
How do you say "good night" in Turkish? (İyi geceler)
In Turkish they say “İyi geceler” to say goodnight.
For example:
- When you say goodbye to your friends or family members before going to bed, you could say, “İyi geceler, sleep well!”
- If you're in one Hotel When you check in and are greeted by the staff, you could politely respond: “İyi geceler, thank you very much!”
- When you read your child a bedtime story and put them to bed, you could say, “İyi geceler, sweet dreams!”
“Iyi geceler” is a polite way of wishing goodnight and is used before going to bed or when saying goodbye late in the evening.
How do you say “good day” in Turkish? (iyi günler)
In Turkish we say “İyi günler” to wish you a good day.
For example:
- If you meet someone in the morning, you could say: “İyi günler, I hope you have a nice day!”
- When you enter a store and are greeted by the clerk, you could politely respond: “İyi günler, thank you too!”
- When saying goodbye to someone after spending time together, you could say, “İyi günler, see you next time!”
“Iyi günler” is a friendly way to wish a good day and can be used at any time of the day.
How do you say "How are you" in Turkish? (Nasılsın)
In Turkish you say “Nasılsın” to ask how someone is doing.
For example:
- When you meet a friend, you could say, “Merhaba! Nasılsın?” (Hello! How are you?)
- When inquiring about how a colleague is doing, you might ask, “Nasılsınız?” (How are you?)
- When speaking to someone on the phone, you could say, “Selam! Nasılsın?” (Hello! How are you?)
“Nasılsın” is a common and polite way of asking how a person is doing and is often used in informal conversations.
How do you say "bon voyage" in Turkish? (İyi Yolculuklar)
In Turkish, you say “İyi Yolculuklar” to wish someone a good trip.
For example:
- When a friend goes away, you could say: “İyi Yolculuklar!” (Have a good trip!)
- If a family member is heading out, you could also wish them “İyi Yolculuklar!”
This expression is used to wish someone a safe and pleasant journey.
How do you say "See you later" in Turkish? (Görüşürüz)
In Turkish we say “Görüşürüz” to mean “see you later.”
For example:
- If you're saying goodbye to a friend and planning to see them again later, you could say, "Görüşürüz!"
- You could also use “Görüşürüz” to say “See you later” after a meeting with colleagues.
This phrase is used to suggest a future meeting or reunion.
How do you say "after you" in Turkish? (buy run)
In Turkish they say “Buyrun” to express “After you”.
For example:
- If you politely ask someone to walk the path in front of you or do something, you might say, “Buyrun.”
- If you allow someone in a queue to go ahead of you, you could also use Buyrun to let them pass.
This phrase is used to express politeness and respect and to give someone else the right of way.
How do you say "Welcome" in Turkish? (Hoşgeldiniz)
In Turkish they say “Hoşgeldiniz” to express “welcome”.
For example:
- When inviting guests to your home, you could say, “Hoşgeldiniz.”
- In Hotels or shops, this greeting is also used to welcome customers.
This phrase is used to warmly greet guests, customers or visitors and acknowledge their presence.
How do you say "thank you" in Turkish? (Teşekkurler)
In Turkish we say “Teşekkürler” to express “thank you”.
For example:
- If someone gives you a gift, you could say: “Teşekkürler”.
- If someone does you a favor, you can also say “Teşekkürler” to express your gratitude.
This phrase is used to express gratitude and appreciation for a kind gesture, help, or support.
How do you say "You're welcome" in Turkish? (Rica ederim)
In Turkish they say “Rica ederim” to mean “You’re welcome.”
For example:
- When someone says “Thank you,” you can respond, “Rica ederim,” to say “You’re welcome” or “You’re welcome.”
This phrase is used to respond politely to gratitude or appreciation, and to express that an offer of help or a kind gesture was gladly accepted.
How do you say "bon appetit" in Turkish? (Afiyet olsun)
In Turkish they say “Afiyet olsun” to mean “enjoy your meal”.
For example:
- Before starting to eat, one can say to others: “Afiyet olsun” to wish “enjoy your meal.”
This phrase is used to express wishes for a good and pleasant enjoyment of food. It's a polite way to express your good wishes before a meal.
How do you say "sorry" in Turkish? (Affesiniz)
In Turkish they say “Affedersiniz” to mean “sorry”.
For example:
- If you accidentally bump into someone or get in their way, you can say "Affedersiniz" to apologize.
This phrase is used to formally ask for forgiveness or express an apology for accidentally disturbing or offending someone.
How do you say goodbye in Turkish? (Hoşçakal, Güle Güle)
In Turkish, people say goodbye with the expressions “Hoşçakal” or “Güle güle”.
For example:
- When leaving the room and saying goodbye to someone, you can say: “Hoşçakal” or “Güle güle”.
How do you say "Nice to meet you" in Turkish? (Memnun Oldum)
In Turkish they say “Memnun oldum” to mean “nice to meet you.”
For example:
- When you meet someone for the first time you can say: “Memnun oldum”.
How do you say "get well soon" in Turkish? (Gecmis Olsun)
In Turkish they say “Geçmiş olsun” to mean “Get well soon”.
For example:
- If someone is sick, you can say: “Geçmiş olsun”.
Conclusion
In Turkey, politeness and friendliness are very important. By knowing some basic Turkish greetings and expressions, you can make a positive connection with locals and improve your travel experience. Using these expressions shows respect and appreciation for Turkish culture and language. From simple greetings like “Merhaba” to farewell wishes like “Hoşça kal”, the variety of Turkish polite expressions reflects the hospitality and warmth of the Turkish people. By mastering these greetings and expressions, you can not only make communication easier, but also experience a sense of belonging and welcome in Turkey. Therefore, it is worthwhile to learn these basic language skills to enrich your travel experience and make new friends.
