9 Top Turkish Expressions You Need to Know

Turkey is a beautiful country located at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, known for its rich culture, stunning landscapes, and delicious cuisine. One of the best ways to immerse yourself in Turkish culture is by learning some of the country's most commonly used expressions. Whether you're planning a trip to Turkey or simply interested in learning a new language, here are the top Turkish expressions you need to know.

Merhaba (Hello)

Merhaba is the most basic Turkish greeting and can be used at any time of day. It's similar to the English greeting "hello" and is a great way to start a conversation with someone new.

Nasılsın? (How are you?)

Nasılsın is another commonly used Turkish phrase and is often used in casual conversation. If someone asks you nasılsın, you can respond with iyiyim (I'm good) or kötüyüm (I'm not good).

Teşekkür ederim (Thank you)

Teşekkür ederim is the Turkish way to say "thank you" and is a polite response when someone does something for you. You can also use the shorter form teşekkürler to say "thanks."

Lütfen (Please)

Lütfen is the Turkish word for "please" and is often used when making a request or asking for something. It's considered polite to use lütfen when speaking with someone in a formal setting.

İyi günler (Goodbye)

İyi günler is the Turkish way of saying "goodbye" and is a formal way to end a conversation. It can be used in any situation and is a polite way to say farewell.

Afiyet olsun (Enjoy your meal)

Afiyet olsun is a phrase commonly used in Turkey before a meal. It's a way to wish someone a good appetite and is similar to the French phrase bon appétit.

Kolay gelsin (May it come easy)

Kolay gelsin is a phrase used to wish someone luck or to show empathy. It's often used in the workplace when someone is working on a project or has a difficult task to complete.

Geçmiş olsun (Get well soon)

Geçmiş olsun is a phrase used to wish someone a speedy recovery. It's often used when someone is sick or has been injured and is a way to show sympathy and support.

İyi şanslar (Good luck)

İyi şanslar is a phrase used to wish someone good luck. It can be used in any situation where someone needs encouragement or support.

Learning these top Turkish expressions will not only help you navigate the country and its culture, but it will also help you connect with the locals and make new friends. Practice using these phrases in everyday conversation and you'll be speaking Turkish like a pro in no time.