Hello: merhaba and selam
Learn how to say hello in Turkish with merhaba and selam, when each one fits, how to greet a group with merhabalar, and how to pass a hello on to someone else.
Read and practiseAdventure journal
How to say it in Turkish
Find the natural Turkish phrase for one intention, such as hello, thank you or sorry, and how to answer it.
Adventure journal
How to say it in Turkish
Choose your level
No matching lesson. Try a shorter search or another topic.
Günaydın: saying good morning in Turkish
Günaydın is the one word that greets anyone in the morning: how to write it, how to answer it and when to switch to iyi günler.
Read and practiseThank you: teşekkür ederim, sağ ol, rica ederim
Say thanks in Turkish at the right warmth, from teşekkürler and sağ ol to teşekkür ederim, name the reason with için, and answer when someone thanks you.
Read and practisePlease: lütfen and buyurun
Ask for tea, water or a favour in Turkish with lütfen, and see why handing someone something calls for buyurun instead.
Read and practiseSorry and excuse me: özür dilerim, pardon
Learn when to say özür dilerim, pardon and affedersiniz: a real apology, a light excuse me, and a polite way to stop a stranger, plus the answer önemli değil.
Read and practiseGoodbye: hoşça kal and güle güle
Learn the two Turkish goodbyes, hoşça kal for the one who leaves and güle güle for the one who stays, plus the polite hoşça kalın and the casual görüşürüz.
Read and practiseNasılsın? How to ask how someone is
Ask a friend nasılsın and an elder nasılsınız, then answer with iyiyim, yorgunum or kötüyüm, and see why a y appears after iyi.
Read and practiseMy name is: adım and benim adım
Turkish says 'my name is' without a verb: adım Elif. See how adım, adın and adı work, when benim joins in, and what Ben Elif'im does differently.
Read and practiseI don't understand: anlamıyorum, anlamadım
Anlamıyorum or anlamadım? Say that you do not follow, ask for a repeat, and see why the negative present becomes -mıyor and never -mayor.
Read and practiseYes and no: evet, hayır, var, yok
Is there milk? Süt var mı? Turkish answers with evet and hayır, but with var and yok when the question is about being there or having. Here is how to pick the word.
Read and practiseHow much is it? ne kadar and kaç lira
Ne kadar and kaç lira both ask a price, but only kaç needs a noun after it. Learn the two questions, the answer in lira and why lira stays singular.
Read and practiseWhere is...? Asking with nerede
Tuvalet nerede? is the whole question: a noun plus nerede, with no verb. Learn when -sin follows, why gözlük becomes gözlüğüm, and how nereye differs.
Read and practiseİyi geceler and iyi akşamlar: good night, good evening
Leaving at night or arriving in the evening? İyi geceler and iyi akşamlar split on exactly that, with the replies sana da and size de.
Read and practiseNice to meet you: memnun oldum and tanıştığımıza memnun oldum
Meeting someone new? Answer memnun oldum, add tanıştığımıza to sound warmer, reply ben de, and know why the phrase is in the past tense.
Read and practiseWelcome: hoş geldiniz and hoş bulduk
Greet a guest with hoş geldin or hoş geldiniz, name the place in the dative, as in Türkiye'ye, and answer hoş bulduk when it is you who arrives.
Read and practiseHappy birthday: doğum günün kutlu olsun
Doğum günün kutlu olsun and iyi ki doğdun both wish a happy birthday. See what the -ün on günün does, how to make it polite with -ünüz, and which wish suits whom.
Read and practiseCongratulations: tebrikler, tebrik ederim, kutlarım
Seni tebrik ederim, never sana: learn tebrikler, tebrik ederim and kutlarım, name the reason with için, and wish luck on something new with hayırlı olsun.
Read and practiseGet well soon: geçmiş olsun
Geçmiş olsun means 'may it be past'. Learn to wish someone well after illness or trouble, send the wish on to their mother, and answer with sağ ol.
Read and practiseI love you: seni seviyorum
Seni seviyorum needs seni, not sen: the person you love is the object. See how ben, sen and o change in that form, then say it yourself.
Read and practiseSpeak more slowly: daha yavaş konuşabilir misiniz?
Daha yavaş konuşabilir misiniz? Build this polite request from a verb stem, -ebil, -ir and mi, and choose between misiniz for strangers and misin for friends.
Read and practiseCan you help me? Asking with edebilir misiniz
Bana yardım edebilir misiniz? is the polite request: yardım, a form of et- with the ability ending, then mi. Learn why et- becomes ed- and why bana takes -a.
Read and practiseSee you later: görüşürüz with a time word
Yarın, pazartesi or haftaya plus görüşürüz makes a casual see-you-later with a time; learn how görüşelim differs, and the formal görüşmek üzere.
Read and practiseCheers in Turkish: şerefe and a personal toast
A raised glass calls for şerefe. Toast a friend, a group or a new job, choose sağlığına or sağlığınıza, and avoid using a toast as a thank-you.
Read and practiseEnjoy your meal: wishes and replies
The soup is served: wish everyone a good meal in Turkish, answer a server naturally, and distinguish a return wish from thanks to the cook.
Read and practiseYou're welcome in Turkish: choosing a reply to thanks
A favour is done and someone thanks you: choose a polite reply, play down the effort, or return the thanks in Turkish, with examples and practice.
Read and practiseGood luck before a test or task
Before the result is known, wish someone luck with bol şans or iyi şanslar. Add the person or occasion, then distinguish encouragement from congratulations.
Read and practiseHow to say “I miss you” in Turkish
A message after time apart can use a past-tense verb for a feeling that is still present. Say you miss someone, reply warmly and ask if they missed you.
Read and practiseLong time no see in Turkish
A familiar face after months apart: greet them in Turkish, explain the gap without blame, and add a warm “I missed you” when it fits.
Read and practiseI agree in Turkish: katılıyorum
Agreement has degrees: use katılıyorum for a shared view, haklısın to say someone is right, and kısmen to keep room for a different opinion.
Read and practiseIt doesn't matter: choosing and reassuring
Tea or coffee, or a small mishap? Distinguish having no preference from saying no harm is done, with three everyday Turkish replies and their tone.
Read and practiseWhat do you mean? Asking for clarification in Turkish
A puzzling remark needs more than repetition: ask what someone means in Turkish, soften your question, and check your interpretation with yani.
Read and practiseHow do you say it in Turkish? Asking for words and meanings
A missing word need not stop the conversation. Ask how to say something in Turkish, check an unfamiliar word’s meaning, and request a useful example.
Read and practiseGod willing: hopes and future plans
A hoped-for meeting is still uncertain. Use inşallah for future plans, place it naturally in a sentence, and distinguish a hopeful reply from a firm promise.
Read and practiseTake care: a warm Turkish farewell
A farewell can carry a wish for someone’s wellbeing. Choose the familiar or polite Turkish form, return the wish, and distinguish it from a warning.
Read and practiseMaşallah: admiration with goodwill
A flourishing garden invites a warm compliment. Use maşallah to admire what you see, distinguish it from inşallah, and recognise when praise turns into reproach.
Read and practiseHayırlı olsun: wishing well on a new home or job
A new set of keys or a new job calls for a wish for the future. Use hayırlı olsun, choose familiar or polite wording, and respond warmly in Turkish.
Read and practiseMay your work go smoothly
A neighbour is busy painting: acknowledge the effort in Turkish, wish the work well, and answer warmly without claiming the task is easy.
Read and practiseThanking the cook: appreciate the effort
A handmade meal deserves a personal thank-you. Address the cook warmly or politely in Turkish, praise a dish and pass your thanks through a server.
Read and practiseOffering condolences in Turkish: başınız sağ olsun
A death calls for a condolence, not a recovery wish. Choose başın or başınız sağ olsun, write a brief message, and keep sağ olsun as two words.
Read and practiseBless you in Turkish: çok yaşa and the reply
A sneeze starts a small exchange of good wishes. Choose çok yaşa or çok yaşayın, return the wish naturally, and distinguish sıhhatler olsun.
Read and practiseBu arada: adding a conversational aside
A sudden thought can open a new topic. Use bu arada for a conversational aside, distinguish it from “meanwhile”, and ask before interrupting.
Read and practiseTo be honest: açıkçası and dürüst olmak gerekirse
A candid opinion needs more than a polite opening. Use açıkçası and dürüst olmak gerekirse to admit uncertainty, state a preference or disagree with a reason.
Read and practiseI can't believe it: inanamıyorum and surprised disbelief
An astonishing result calls for inanamıyorum. Express delight or dismay in Turkish, distinguish disbelief from rejection, and judge the tone of yok artık.
Read and practiseLet me think: keeping your turn in Turkish
A pause before an answer can be useful: use bir düşüneyim to think, distinguish it from bakalım, and say when you will reply if you need longer.
Read and practiseThanks for having me: thanking a host in Turkish
After a visit, thank your host for welcoming you. Choose familiar or polite Turkish, distinguish hosting from inviting, and keep the host and guest clear.
Read and practiseLooking forward to it in Turkish
Anticipation can sound warm or impatient. Express what you look forward to in Turkish, connect an action to the phrase, and avoid mixing two sentence patterns.
Read and practiseIs this seat free? in Turkish
Ask Bu koltuk boş mu? to find out whether a seat is free, and practise the separate question particle mu.
Read and practiseI am looking for... in Turkish
Use arıyorum to say what you are looking for, choose a definite object and distinguish searching from calling by phone.
Read and practiseCould you write it down? in Turkish
Ask Bunu yazabilir misiniz? when you need something written, and practise polite requests for addresses or numbers.
Read and practiseCan I pay by card? in Turkish
Ask Kartla ödeyebilir miyim? when paying and practise the forms for card, cash and a polite first-person question.
Read and practiseIs there internet here? in Turkish
Ask Burada internet var mı? and practise questions about availability, a room and a wireless network password.
Read and practiseI am allergic to... in Turkish
Say Süte alerjim var to communicate a milk allergy and ask whether a food or product contains milk.
Read and practiseI am lost in Turkish: kayboldum
Say kayboldum when you cannot find your way, distinguish it from kaybettim, and ask where the nearest stop is.
Read and practiseCan I have a receipt? in Turkish
Ask Fiş alabilir miyim? for a receipt and practise asking for an invoice or having one sent by email.
Read and practiseWhat time does it open? in Turkish
Ask Bu mağaza kaçta açılıyor? and understand opening and closing times, including saat dokuzda.
Read and practiseWhat do you recommend? in Turkish
Ask Ne önerirsiniz? and practise politely requesting a recommendation for a meal, book or beginner.
Read and practiseMay I use the restroom? in Turkish
Ask Tuvaleti kullanabilir miyim? for permission to use a restroom, and practise asking where it is.
Read and practiseCould you open the window? in Turkish
Ask Pencereyi açabilir misiniz? politely, distinguish opening from closing and practise the definite object.
Read and practiseI am hungry in Turkish: açım and acıktım
Say açım when you are hungry and compare it with acıktım when hunger has started or returned.
Read and practiseI am thirsty in Turkish: susadım
Say susadım when you become thirsty, ask susadın mı and request a glass of drinking water.
Read and practiseWhose turn is it? in Turkish
Ask Sıra bende mi? and use sıra sizde or sıra kimde when waiting for a turn.
Read and practiseWhich platform does it leave from? in Turkish
Ask Bu tren hangi perondan kalkıyor? and understand directions and a platform number at a station.
Read and practiseI am late in Turkish: geç kaldım
Say geç kaldım to explain a delay and compare it with geç kalacağım when you expect to be late.
Read and practiseIs it far? in Turkish
Ask İstasyon buradan uzak mı? and use yakın and travel-time expressions when asking about distance.
Read and practiseDo you have a larger size? in Turkish
Ask for a larger clothing size with Bu gömleğin daha büyük bedeni var mı? and find the fitting room.
Read and practiseCan I charge my phone? in Turkish
Ask Telefonumu burada şarj edebilir miyim? and find an outlet for charging a phone.
Read and practiseCan I borrow it? in Turkish
Ask Kaleminizi ödünç alabilir miyim? and distinguish borrowing from lending and returning an item.
Read and practiseCould you show me? in Turkish
Ask Bana haritada gösterebilir misiniz? to request visual help and practise who receives what is shown.
Read and practiseIs there a step-free entrance? in Turkish
Ask Basamaksız giriş var mı? and find an entrance without steps or a route suitable for a wheelchair.
Read and practiseI need an interpreter: Turkish phrases
Ask for an interpreter, state your preferred language and check whether interpretation is available.
Read and practiseCould you face me when speaking? in Turkish
Ask someone to face you while speaking and explain when seeing their face helps you understand.
Read and practiseWhat documents do I need? in Turkish
Ask which documents a procedure requires, whether a copy is enough and where to find the form.
Read and practiseWhich stop should I get off at? in Turkish
Ask which stop to use for a destination and understand a reply giving the stop name or number.
Read and practiseWhere can I leave my luggage? in Turkish
Ask about luggage storage, its price and when you can collect a suitcase you left for safekeeping.
Read and practiseCan we take a short break? in Turkish
A short break can be requested politely; suggest when to continue and explain that you would like to rest.
Read and practiseIs this vegetarian? in Turkish
Ask whether a dish is vegetarian and check specific ingredients such as meat, fish or stock.
Read and practiseMy phone has no signal: Turkish phrases
Explain that your phone has no mobile signal, ask where reception is available and arrange to retry.
Read and practiseMay I record our conversation? in Turkish
Ask permission to record a conversation, understand yes or no, and offer to take notes instead.
Read and practiseWhere can I collect my parcel? in Turkish
Ask where to collect a parcel and whether you need identification or a collection notice.
Read and practiseCan I check out late? in Turkish
Ask about late checkout, suggest a departure time and check whether an extra charge applies.
Read and practiseCan I have larger print? in Turkish
Larger print or screen text can make reading easier; ask for it and explain your preference.
Read and practiseWhen will it be ready? in Turkish
Ask when a parcel will be ready, understand a proposed time and arrange to call or return.
Read and practiseMy room key card does not work: Turkish phrases
Explain that a hotel key card will not open the door, ask staff to check it and offer your room number.
Read and practiseCould you read this aloud? in Turkish
Request an aloud reading of a form, a repeated passage and a pause for your question.
Read and practiseMy train was cancelled: Turkish phrases
Explain a train cancellation, ask about another departure and check whether your ticket remains valid.
Read and practiseI forgot my password: Turkish phrases
Explain that you forgot a password, ask how to reset it and report a link that does not work.
Read and practiseWhat is the deadline? in Turkish
Clarify a submission deadline by confirming the day and time and saying when you plan to send the work.
Read and practiseI cannot open the file: Turkish phrases
Report a file that will not open, ask about its format and request another version.
Read and practiseCan I bring a friend? in Turkish
Ask a host whether you may bring a friend, understand their answer and respond if space is limited.
Read and practiseWhat does this sign mean? in Turkish
Ask what a sign means, request its written text and clarify whether an entrance is restricted.
Read and practiseIs there an accessible toilet? in Turkish
Ask about an accessible toilet, wheelchair suitability and a route by lift.
Read and practiseCould you wait a moment? in Turkish
Politely request a brief wait, apologise for the delay and understand when to leave.
Read and practiseCan we split the bill? in Turkish
Ask to pay separately or divide a bill equally, and clarify which amount each person will pay.
Read and practiseCould you pack the leftovers? in Turkish
Ask for leftovers to be packed, request the sauce separately and check whether there is a charge.
Read and practiseI feel dizzy: Turkish phrases
Describe dizziness, say when it began and ask someone for help or a place to sit.
Read and practiseCan you share your class notes? in Turkish
Ask a classmate to share notes after a missed class, suggest a format and confirm permission before sharing others' work.
Read and practiseI have to leave now: Turkish phrases
Leaving a conversation early is easier to explain when you give a brief reason and suggest continuing later.
Read and practiseIs there a quiet room? in Turkish
Find out whether a quiet room is available, explain your need and ask whether you can use it now.
Read and practiseMy suitcase is damaged in Turkish
Report damage to a suitcase, describe a broken wheel and ask how to submit the details and keep a copy.
Read and practiseCan I change my seat? in Turkish
Ask to change seats, check for an aisle seat and say that you would like to sit by the window.
Read and practiseI am running late in Turkish
Warn someone that you will be late, give an approximate delay and check whether you can still meet.
Read and practiseCan we meet online? in Turkish
Suggest moving a meeting online, confirm the time and ask the other person to send the meeting link.
Read and practiseCould you gift-wrap this? in Turkish
Ask for gift wrapping, explain the occasion and request that the receipt stay outside the package.
Read and practiseWhere can I park my bicycle? in Turkish
Ask where bicycles may be parked, check whether a place is prohibited and locate the parking area.
Read and practiseCould you turn the volume down? in Turkish
Politely ask someone to lower the volume, explain why and distinguish turning it down from turning it up.
Read and practiseWhere is the lost property office? in Turkish
For a found item, find the hand-in office, explain where you found it and say you did not open it.
Read and practiseIs there an earlier train? in Turkish
Check an earlier train’s availability, ticket validity and possible additional charge.
Read and practiseHow does this washing machine work? in Turkish
Ask how to use a shared washing machine, choose a program and find where to put detergent.
Read and practiseCan I refill my water bottle? in Turkish
Ask where drinking water is, whether it is safe to drink and whether refilling your bottle is allowed or charged.
Read and practiseCould I check your email address? in Turkish
Confirm an email address by asking about dots, underscores and hyphens, then check a test message arrived.
Read and practiseHow do you pronounce your name? in Turkish
Ask someone how to pronounce their name, request a repetition and check the stressed syllable politely.
Read and practiseCan someone collect my parcel for me? in Turkish
Ask whether another person can collect your parcel and what documents the office requires for that case.
Read and practiseCould I see an itemized bill? in Turkish
Ask to see a detailed bill, clarify an unfamiliar charge and request a correction if there is an error.
Read and practiseCould you explain it another way? in Turkish
Request a rephrased explanation, identify an unfamiliar word and ask for an example.
Read and practiseMay I enter with my guide dog? in Turkish
Ask about entering with a guide dog, whether it can stay beside you and how to get the venue’s information.
Read and practiseCan I know the price before work starts? in Turkish
Before work begins, ask whether the price is an estimate or fixed and clarify potential extra charges.
Read and practiseIs this dish spicy? in Turkish
Ask about a dish’s heat, request a non-spicy preparation and ask for the sauce separately.
Read and practiseIs there another way around a closed road? in Turkish
During a road closure, ask for another route and check whether pedestrians can pass.
Read and practiseWhere can I take used batteries? in Turkish
Locate a battery collection point, check whether it accepts a battery type and ask how to hand it in.
Read and practiseMy confirmation email has not arrived in Turkish
Report a missing confirmation email, check the address and request that the message be sent again.
Read and practiseIs there a deposit on this bottle? in Turkish
Find out about a bottle deposit, where to return the empty bottle and local return conditions.
Read and practiseWhat material is this made of? in Turkish
Identify an item’s material by reading its label and asking for care instructions without guessing its composition.
Read and practiseCan I pay the parking fee by card? in Turkish
Ask about card payment for parking, locate the payment machine and clarify when to pay.
Read and practise