Learning a new language can be an exciting yet challenging endeavor. One of the first steps in mastering a new language is becoming familiar with its basic greetings and farewells. This initial step allows you to start conversations, make new friends, and demonstrate respect and politeness in various social settings. In this article, we will explore some of the most common greetings and farewells in Turkish, a language spoken by over 75 million people worldwide.
Basic Greetings
Merhaba (Hello)
The most common greeting in Turkish is Merhaba. It is the equivalent of “Hello” in English and can be used in almost any situation. Whether you’re meeting someone for the first time or greeting a close friend, Merhaba is appropriate. It’s a versatile word that works in both formal and informal settings.
Günaydın (Good Morning)
If you want to wish someone a good morning, you can say Günaydın. This greeting is used from early morning until noon. It’s a friendly and polite way to start the day and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
Tünaydın (Good Afternoon)
While not as commonly used as Günaydın, Tünaydın is the Turkish greeting for “Good afternoon.” It is used from noon until the early evening. Although it might not be as frequently heard, it is still a correct and polite form of greeting during the afternoon hours.
İyi Akşamlar (Good Evening)
When the day turns into evening, you can greet someone with İyi Akşamlar, which means “Good evening.” This greeting is typically used from the late afternoon until bedtime. It’s a respectful way to acknowledge someone in the evening hours.
İyi Geceler (Good Night)
If you’re saying goodbye to someone late at night or before going to bed, İyi Geceler is the appropriate phrase to use. It means “Good night” and is a polite way to wish someone a restful night.
Informal Greetings
Selam (Hi)
In more casual settings, especially among friends and younger people, Selam is a commonly used greeting. It is the equivalent of “Hi” in English. While Merhaba is more versatile, Selam is a great way to greet friends and peers in a relaxed manner.
Nasılsın? (How are you?)
After greeting someone, it’s customary to ask how they are doing. The informal way to ask this is Nasılsın? If you’re speaking to someone you need to be more respectful towards, you would use the formal version, Nasılsınız? This phrase is an excellent way to show interest in the person’s well-being.
Ne haber? (What’s up?)
Another informal greeting often used among friends is Ne haber? This phrase is similar to the English “What’s up?” and is used to check in with someone in a casual manner. It’s a great way to start a conversation with friends.
Formal Greetings
Hoş geldiniz (Welcome)
When you’re welcoming someone into your home or a formal setting, you can say Hoş geldiniz. This phrase means “Welcome” and is used to show hospitality. The informal version of this phrase is Hoş geldin, which you can use with friends or close acquaintances.
Memnun oldum (Pleased to meet you)
When you’re meeting someone for the first time, especially in formal settings, you can say Memnun oldum. This phrase means “Pleased to meet you” and is a polite way to express your pleasure in making someone’s acquaintance.
Buyurun (Please, go ahead)
A versatile and polite phrase often used in formal settings is Buyurun. It can mean “Please, go ahead,” “Here you go,” or “How can I help you?” depending on the context. It’s a courteous way to guide or offer something to someone.
Common Farewells
Güle güle (Goodbye)
One of the most common ways to say goodbye in Turkish is Güle güle. This phrase is typically used by the person who is staying behind, while the person who is leaving would say Hoşça kal (Stay well). It’s a friendly and warm way to bid farewell.
Hoşça kal (Stay well)
When you’re the one leaving, you can say Hoşça kal to the person who is staying. It translates to “Stay well” and is a polite way to say goodbye. If you’re addressing more than one person, you would say Hoşça kalın.
Görüşürüz (See you)
If you plan to see the person again soon, you can say Görüşürüz, which means “See you.” It’s an informal and friendly way to say goodbye, similar to the English “See you later.”
Allahaısmarladık (Farewell)
A more formal way to say goodbye is Allahaısmarladık, which is often shortened to Allahaısmarladık. This phrase is rooted in religious sentiment and means “I leave you in God’s protection.” It’s used in more formal or traditional settings.
Kendine iyi bak (Take care)
Another common way to say goodbye, especially among friends, is Kendine iyi bak. This phrase means “Take care” and is a kind way to show concern for the person’s well-being until you see them again.
Expressions of Politeness
Teşekkür ederim (Thank you)
Politeness is essential in any language. In Turkish, you can express gratitude by saying Teşekkür ederim, which means “Thank you.” For a more informal version, you can simply say Teşekkürler.
Rica ederim (You’re welcome)
When someone thanks you, you can respond with Rica ederim, which means “You’re welcome.” It’s a polite way to acknowledge their gratitude.
Afedersiniz (Excuse me)
If you need to get someone’s attention or apologize for bumping into someone, you can say Afedersiniz, which means “Excuse me.” It’s a polite way to address minor inconveniences or to get someone’s attention.
Lütfen (Please)
Adding Lütfen to your requests makes them more polite. It means “Please” and is used similarly to its English counterpart.
Responding to Greetings
Merhaba (Hello)
The simplest way to respond to Merhaba is to say Merhaba back. It’s a straightforward and polite response that acknowledges the greeting.
İyiyim, teşekkür ederim (I’m fine, thank you)
When someone asks Nasılsın? or Nasılsınız?, a common response is İyiyim, teşekkür ederim, which means “I’m fine, thank you.” It’s a polite way to respond and show appreciation for the inquiry.
Siz nasılsınız? (How are you?)
After responding to someone’s inquiry about your well-being, it’s polite to ask about theirs. You can say Siz nasılsınız? in formal settings or Sen nasılsın? in informal settings. This reciprocation shows politeness and interest in the other person.
Farewell Responses
Güle güle (Goodbye)
Just as with greetings, repeating the farewell phrase is often acceptable. If someone says Güle güle to you, you can respond with Güle güle.
Görüşürüz (See you)
If someone says Görüşürüz to you, you can respond with the same phrase, indicating that you also look forward to seeing them again soon.
Allahaısmarladık (Farewell)
Responding to Allahaısmarladık with the same phrase is a respectful and traditional way to say goodbye, especially in more formal or religious contexts.
Practice Makes Perfect
The key to mastering these greetings and farewells is practice. Try to use them in your daily interactions, even if it’s just with a language partner or in front of a mirror. The more you practice, the more natural they will feel.
Learning the basic greetings and farewells in Turkish is an essential step in becoming comfortable with the language. These phrases will help you navigate social situations, make a good impression, and build rapport with Turkish speakers. So go ahead, start practicing, and enjoy the journey of learning Turkish!
