100 Basic Turkish Phrases For Eager Tourists

With its beautiful landscape and history, Turkey is definitely on most people’s bucket lists of places to travel! If you’re one of the lucky ones that get to visit Turkey this summer, make sure to learn Turkish before you go to have an even more amazing trip!

Need help getting started? That’s exactly why we’ve put together this list of 100 basic Turkish phrases for tourists! The Turkish language is so different from other European languages, but that doesn’t mean it’s impossible to learn!

If you’ve already read our previous blog post on basic Turkish words, then learning these phrases will be much easier. If you haven’t read it, not to worry! You can always go back and read it, but, for now, let’s learn some of the most important Turkish phrases for your upcoming trip!

Basic Turkish Greetings

Here are the most basic Turkish greetings that you should know!

• Merhaba – Hello[Speechword voice=”Turkish Female” isinline]Merhaba [/Speechword]
• Selam – Hi[Speechword voice=”Turkish Female” isinline]Selam[/Speechword]
• Günaydın – Good morning[Speechword voice=”Turkish Female” isinline]Günaydın [/Speechword]
• İyi günler – Good day[Speechword voice=”Turkish Female” isinline]İyi günler[/Speechword]
• Tünaydın – Good afternoon[Speechword voice=”Turkish Female” isinline]Tünaydın [/Speechword]
• İyi akşamlar – Good evening[Speechword voice=”Turkish Female” isinline]İyi akşamlar[/Speechword]
• İyi geceler – Goodnight[Speechword voice=”Turkish Female” isinline]İyi geceler[/Speechword]
• Baybay – Bye-bye[Speechword voice=”Turkish Female” isinline]Baybay [/Speechword]
• Hoşçakal – Goodbye[Speechword voice=”Turkish Female” isinline]Hoşçakal[/Speechword]
• Görüşürüz – See you[Speechword voice=”Turkish Female” isinline]Görüşürüz [/Speechword]
• Kendinize iyi bakın – Take care of yourself[Speechword voice=”Turkish Female” isinline]Kendinize iyi bakın[/Speechword]

Polite Turkish Phrases

Along with greetings, you should learn some polite Turkish phrases. That way, you can respond to others as politely as possible. After all, when you’re in a new country, don’t you want to leave a good impression on people?

• Teşekkür ederim – Thank you[Speechword voice=”Turkish Female” isinline]Teşekkür ederim[/Speechword]
• Sağol – Thanks[Speechword voice=”Turkish Female” isinline]Sağol [/Speechword]
• Bir şey değil – You’re welcome[Speechword voice=”Turkish Female” isinline]Bir şey değil[/Speechword]
• Rica ederim – You’re welcome[Speechword voice=”Turkish Female” isinline]Rica ederim[/Speechword]
• Hoşgeldin – Welcome[Speechword voice=”Turkish Female” isinline]Hoşgeldin [/Speechword]
• Hoşbuldum – I’m glad to be here[Speechword voice=”Turkish Female” isinline]Hoşbuldum[/Speechword]
• Lütfen – Please[Speechword voice=”Turkish Female” isinline]Lütfen [/Speechword]
• Sorun değil – No problem[Speechword voice=”Turkish Female” isinline]Sorun değil [/Speechword]
• İyi şanslar – Good luck[Speechword voice=”Turkish Female” isinline]İyi şanslar[/Speechword]
• Tebrik ederim – Congratulations[Speechword voice=”Turkish Female” isinline]Tebrik ederim[/Speechword]
• Afedersiniz – Excuse me[Speechword voice=”Turkish Female” isinline]Afedersiniz [/Speechword]
• Çok yaşa – Bless you[Speechword voice=”Turkish Female” isinline]Çok yaşa[/Speechword]
• Üzgünüm – I’m sorry[Speechword voice=”Turkish Female” isinline]Üzgünüm [/Speechword]
• Özür dilerim – I apologize[Speechword voice=”Turkish Female” isinline]Özür dilerim[/Speechword]
• Geçmiş olsun – May it be in the past[Speechword voice=”Turkish Female” isinline]Geçmiş olsun[/Speechword]
• Başınız sağ olsun – I am sorry for your loss[Speechword voice=”Turkish Female” isinline]Başınız sağ olsun[/Speechword]

Basic Turkish Phrases To Introduce Yourself

Before starting a conversation, it is important to introduce yourself. These phrases will help you introduce yourself in Turkish.

• Merhaba, ben ___ – Hello, I’m ___[Speechword voice=”Turkish Female” isinline]Merhaba, ben[/Speechword]
• Memnun oldum – I’m glad to meet you[Speechword voice=”Turkish Female” isinline]Memnun oldum[/Speechword]
• Ben de – Me too[Speechword voice=”Turkish Female” isinline]Ben de[/Speechword]
• Nasılsınız? – How are you?[Speechword voice=”Turkish Female” isinline]Nasılsınız[/Speechword]
• İyiyim, teşekkür ederim, ya siz? – I’m fine, thank you. And you?[Speechword voice=”Turkish Female” isinline]İyiyim, teşekkür ederim, ya siz[/Speechword]
• Nerelisiniz? – Where are you from?[Speechword voice=”Turkish Female” isinline]Nerelisiniz[/Speechword]
• Ben ___lıyım – I’m ___[Speechword voice=”Turkish Female” isinline]Ben ___lıyım[/Speechword]
• Kaç yaşındasınız? – How old are you?[Speechword voice=”Turkish Female” isinline]Kaç yaşındasınız[/Speechword]
• Ben ___ yaşındayım – I’m ___ years old[Speechword voice=”Turkish Female” isinline]Ben ___ yaşındayım[/Speechword]

Turkish Phrases For Small Talk

Your first Turkish conversation with a native will probably include a lot of these phrases, but that’s okay! Learning the language bit by bit is still better than not learning at all!

• Nasılsın? – How are you?[Speechword voice=”Turkish Female” isinline]Nasılsın[/Speechword]
• İyiyim sen nasılsın? – I am doing well, how are you?[Speechword voice=”Turkish Female” isinline]İyiyim sen nasılsın[/Speechword]
• Nasıl gidiyor? – How’s it going?[Speechword voice=”Turkish Female” isinline]Nasıl gidiyor[/Speechword]
• Ne haber? – What’s up?[Speechword voice=”Turkish Female” isinline]Ne haber[/Speechword]
• Memleketiniz neresi? – Where are you from?[Speechword voice=”Turkish Female” isinline]Memleketiniz neresi[/Speechword]
• Ailen nasıl? – How is your family?[Speechword voice=”Turkish Female” isinline]Ailen nasıl[/Speechword]
• İyiler. – They are well.[Speechword voice=”Turkish Female” isinline]İyiler[/Speechword]
• Nerelisin? – Where are you from?[Speechword voice=”Turkish Female” isinline]Nerelisin[/Speechword]
• Avrupalıyım. – I am from Europe.[Speechword voice=”Turkish Female” isinline]Avrupalıyım[/Speechword]
• Nerede yaşıyorsun? – Where do you live?[Speechword voice=”Turkish Female” isinline]Nerede yaşıyorsun[/Speechword]
• ___da/ta/de/te yaşıyorum. – I live in ___.[Speechword voice=”Turkish Female” isinline]da/ta/de/te yaşıyorum[/Speechword]
• Benim adım ___. – My name is ___.[Speechword voice=”Turkish Female” isinline]Benim adım[/Speechword]
• Senin adın ne? – What is your name?[Speechword voice=”Turkish Female” isinline]Senin adın ne[/Speechword]

Basic Turkish Phrases For Shopping

Shopping at the grand bazaar in Istanbul should definitely be on your travel itinerary if it isn’t already. So, you have to learn these useful phrases if you plan to shop there!

• Alışverişe gitmek istiyorum. – I want to go shopping.[Speechword voice=”Turkish Female” isinline]Alışverişe gitmek istiyorum[/Speechword]
• Alışveriş merkezi nerede? – Where is the mall?[Speechword voice=”Turkish Female” isinline]Alışveriş merkezi nerede[/Speechword]
• Bu kaç beden? – What size is this?[Speechword voice=”Turkish Female” isinline]Bu kaç beden[/Speechword]
• Bu ne kadar? – How much is this?[Speechword voice=”Turkish Female” isinline]Bu ne kadar[/Speechword]
• Kredi kartı ile ödeyebilir miyim? – Can I pay by credit card?[Speechword voice=”Turkish Female” isinline]Kredi kartı ile ödeyebilir miyim[/Speechword]

Basic Turkish Phrases For Dining Out

Here are some phrases you may need if you eat out at a Turkish restaurant!

• Karnım acıktı. / Ben açım. – I’m hungry.[Speechword voice=”Turkish Female” isinline]Karnım acıktı[/Speechword]/[Speechword voice=”Turkish Female” isinline]Ben açım[/Speechword]
• Karnım tok. / Ben tokum. – I’m full.[Speechword voice=”Turkish Female” isinline]Karnım tok[/Speechword]/[Speechword voice=”Turkish Female” isinline]Ben tokum[/Speechword]
• Susadım. – I’m thirsty.[Speechword voice=”Turkish Female” isinline]Susadım[/Speechword]
• Menüyü görebilir miyim? – May I see the menu?[Speechword voice=”Turkish Female” isinline]Menüyü görebilir miyim[/Speechword]
• ___ alabilir miyim lütfen? – May I have ___ , please?[Speechword voice=”Turkish Female” isinline]alabilir miyim lütfen[/Speechword]
• Hesap lütfen! – Bill, please![Speechword voice=”Turkish Female” isinline]Hesap lütfen[/Speechword]
• Yemek harikaydı! – The food was great![Speechword voice=”Turkish Female” isinline]Yemek harikaydı[/Speechword]

Turkish Phrases To Ask For Help

Turkish people are very helpful, so don’t hesitate to ask for help if you need it. Even if you come across someone that doesn’t speak English, they will always do their best to help you.

• Bana yardım eder misin? – Can you help me?[Speechword voice=”Turkish Female” isinline]Bana yardım eder misin[/Speechword]
• İmdat! – Help![Speechword voice=”Turkish Female” isinline]İmdat[/Speechword]
• Polis nerede? – Where are the police?[Speechword voice=”Turkish Female” isinline]Polis nerede[/Speechword]
• Bana yardım edin lütfen! – Please help me![Speechword voice=”Turkish Female” isinline]Bana yardım edin lütfen![/Speechword]
• Bana yardım edebilir misiniz? – Can you help me?[Speechword voice=”Turkish Female” isinline]Bana yardım edebilir misiniz[/Speechword]
• Hastane nerede? – Where is the hospital?[Speechword voice=”Turkish Female” isinline]Hastane nerede[/Speechword]
• Benim ___e alerjim var. – I’m allergic to ___.[Speechword voice=”Turkish Female” isinline]Benim ___e alerjim var[/Speechword]
• Yangın var! – There is a fire![Speechword voice=”Turkish Female” isinline]Yangın var[/Speechword]
• Ambulans çağırın. – Call an ambulance.[Speechword voice=”Turkish Female” isinline]Ambulans çağırın[/Speechword]
• Polisi arayın. – Call the police.[Speechword voice=”Turkish Female” isinline]Polisi arayın[/Speechword]
• Ben kayboldum, bana yardım edin lütfen! – I’m lost, please help me![Speechword voice=”Turkish Female” isinline]Ben kayboldum, bana yardım edin lütfen[/Speechword]
• Pasaportumu/cüzdanımı kaybettim. – I lost my passport/wallet.[Speechword voice=”Turkish Female” isinline]Pasaportumu kaybettim[/Speechword][Speechword voice=”Turkish Female” isinline]cüzdanımı kaybettim[/Speechword]

Basic Turkish Question Words

Here is a list of basic question words in Turkish. It’s good to know these phrases in case of a misunderstanding or if you can’t follow what someone is saying.

• Kim? – Who?[Speechword voice=”Turkish Female” isinline]Kim[/Speechword]
• Ne? – What?[Speechword voice=”Turkish Female” isinline]Ne[/Speechword]
• Ne zaman? – When?[Speechword voice=”Turkish Female” isinline]Ne zaman?[/Speechword]
• Kaçta? – At what time?[Speechword voice=”Turkish Female” isinline]Kaçta[/Speechword]
• Nasıl? – How?[Speechword voice=”Turkish Female” isinline]Nasıl[/Speechword]
• Nerede? – Where?[Speechword voice=”Turkish Female” isinline]Nerede[/Speechword]
• Neden? – Why?[Speechword voice=”Turkish Female” isinline]Neden[/Speechword]
• Niye? – Why?[Speechword voice=”Turkish Female” isinline]Niye[/Speechword]
• Niçin? – Why?[Speechword voice=”Turkish Female” isinline]Niçin[/Speechword]
• Ne kadar? – How much?[Speechword voice=”Turkish Female” isinline]Ne kadar[/Speechword]
• Kaç tane? – How many?[Speechword voice=”Turkish Female” isinline]Kaç tane[/Speechword]
• Ne oluyor? – What’s happening?[Speechword voice=”Turkish Female” isinline]Ne oluyor[/Speechword]
• Neyin var? – What’s the matter?[Speechword voice=”Turkish Female” isinline]Neyin var[/Speechword]

Other Useful Turkish Phrases

Here is an additional list of Turkish phrases that might also be useful for you. Don’t worry, you don’t need to know Turkish grammar to speak perfect Turkish.

• ___ Bey – Mister ___[Speechword voice=”Turkish Female” isinline]Bey [/Speechword]
• ___ Hanım – Mistress/Misses ___[Speechword voice=”Turkish Female” isinline]Hanım [/Speechword]
• ___ ile görüşebilir miyim? – May I speak to ___?[Speechword voice=”Turkish Female” isinline] ile görüşebilir miyim[/Speechword]
• İngilizce konuşuyor musunuz? – Do you speak English?[Speechword voice=”Turkish Female” isinline]İngilizce konuşuyor musunuz[/Speechword]
• Yavaş konuşabilir misiniz lütfen? – Can you speak slowly, please?[Speechword voice=”Turkish Female” isinline]Yavaş konuşabilir misiniz lütfen[/Speechword]
• Türkçe bilmiyorum. – I don’t speak Turkish.[Speechword voice=”Turkish Female” isinline]Türkçe bilmiyorum[/Speechword]
• Anlamıyorum. – I don’t understand.[Speechword voice=”Turkish Female” isinline]Anlamıyorum[/Speechword]
• Türkçe de ___ nasıl diyorsunuz? – How do you say ___ in Turkish?[Speechword voice=”Turkish Female” isinline]Türkçe de ___ nasıl diyorsunuz[/Speechword]
• Pardon, ___’ya nasıl gidebilirim? – Excuse me, how can I get to ___?[Speechword voice=”Turkish Female” isinline]Pardon, ___’ya nasıl gidebilirim[/Speechword]
• Unuttum. – I forgot.[Speechword voice=”Turkish Female” isinline]Unuttum[/Speechword]
• Gitmem lazım. – I have to go.[Speechword voice=”Turkish Female” isinline]Gitmem lazım[/Speechword]
• Sıra sende. – It’s your turn.[Speechword voice=”Turkish Female” isinline]Sıra sende[/Speechword]
• Sessiz ol! – Be quiet![Speechword voice=”Turkish Female” isinline]Sessiz ol[/Speechword]
• Seni seviyorum. – I love you. (singular)[Speechword voice=”Turkish Female” isinline]Seni seviyorum[/Speechword]

Easy Pronunciation Guide For The Turkish Alphabet

Even though Turkish words are written in Latin script, it still might be difficult for native English speakers to pronounce certain sounds. Hopefully the following guide can help you!

• A – sounds like ah as in ”awful”
• B – sounds like b as in ”bar”
• C – sounds like j as in ”jean”
• Ç – sounds like ch as in ”cheap”
• D – sounds like d as in ”dog”
• E – sounds like eh as in ”hey”
• F – sounds like f as in ”fur”
• G – sounds like g as in “go”
• Ğ – silent letter
• H – sounds like h as in “here”
• I – sounds like ə as in “the”
• İ – sounds like i as in ” inside”
• J – sounds like ge as in “mirage”
• K – sounds like k as in “kite”
• L – sounds like l as in ” like”
• M – sounds like m as in “man”
• N – sounds like n as in “no”
• O – sounds like o as in “oven”
• Ö – sounds like i as in “bird”
• P – sounds like p as in “pick”
• R – sounds like r as in “ramp”
• S – sounds like s as in “super”
• Ş – sounds like sh as in “she”
• T – sounds like t as in “tan”
• U – sounds like oo as in “noodles”
• Ü – sounds like ü as in “astute”
• V – sounds like v as in “vet”
• Y – sounds like y as in “yes”
• Z – sounds like z as in “zoo”

Congratulations! If you’ve read this entire post until now, then you’re surely an expert on common Turkish phrases. If you want to learn even more Turkish, we have the perfect app for you!

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