Learn all about Turkish greetings and useful conversation vocabulary!

Picture yourself wandering the vibrant streets of Istanbul, surrounded by the bustling energy of the Grand Bazaar. As you engage with locals and fellow travelers, a warm smile and a well-timed greeting can instantly bridge the gap between cultures. 

In this blog post, we’re delving into the heart of Turkish social customs, exploring the intricacies of greetings, apologies, and farewells. Get ready to unravel the secrets of building meaningful connections while immersing yourself in the rich tapestry of Turkish culture.

Turkish Greetings: More than Words

In Turkey, greetings are more than just a formality – they’re a cornerstone of daily interactions. Small gestures hold immense value, setting the stage for the conversation ahead. 

Here’s a list of Turkish greetings:

• Selam! – The standard way to say hi in Turkish
• Merhaba! – Hello
• Günaydın  – Good morning
• İyi akşamlar – Good evening
• İyi günler – Good day / have a good day
• Hoş geldiniz  – Welcome

Greeting Questions: The Key to Connection

Turkish conversations often start with questions that show genuine care. 

• Nereden geliyorsunuz? – Where are you from?
• Adınız ne? -–What’s your name?
• Nasılsınız?  –  How are you? (formal)
• Nasılsın? –  How are you? (informal)

Embrace these questions as opportunities to share your story and learn about others. As you explore the bazaars or sip on traditional çay (tea) at a local café, don’t hesitate to embrace these questions with a smile.

Saying Goodbyes and Farewells

Just as greetings matter, so do farewells. Farewells encapsulate the Turkish spirit of hospitality and camaraderie.

• Hoşça kal – Goodbye
• Hoşça kalın  – Goodbye (formal)
• Görüşürüz – See you
• İyi geceler   –  Good night  
• Güle güle –  Goodbye (Spoken by the host, who stays in the location)
• Allahaısmarladık   – Goodbye (Spoken by the guest, who leaves the location)
• Görüşmek üzere.  – See you later. / See you soon.
• İyi yolculuklar.  –  Have a good journey.
• Yolunuz açık olsun. – Have a good trip.

Example Conversations

Person 1: Merhaba! Nasılsınız? (Hello! How are you?)

Person 2: Merhaba! İyiyim, teşekkür ederim. Adınız ne? (Hello! I’m fine, thank you. What’s your name?)

Person 1: Benim adım Emily. Sizinki nedir? (My name is Emily. What’s yours?)

Person 2: Benim adım Ali. Hoş geldiniz, Emily! (My name is Ali. Welcome, Emily!)

Person 1: Teşekkür ederim for the çay, Ali. Hoşça kal! (Thank you for the tea, Ali. Goodbye!)

Person 2: Hoşça kal, Emily! Görüşürüz! (Goodbye, Emily! See you!)

Person 1: Görüşürüz, Ali. Take care! (See you, Ali. Take care!)

Person 2: Sen de görüşürüz! Have a great day! (See you too! Have a great day!)

Hoşça Kal!

As you navigate the streets of Turkey, armed with a friendly “Merhaba” and a genuine interest in others, you’re not just observing – you’re participating in the cultural heartbeat of the nation. Remember, greetings, apologies, and farewells are more than mere words; they’re the threads that weave friendships and memories. 

So, whether you’re exploring the awe-inspiring landscapes or haggling for treasures at the bazaars, embrace the art of connecting through language and custom. Hoşça kal, and happy exploring!