Travelling is always a bit easier when you know a few words in the local language. Turkish isn’t the easiest language for English speakers, but you’ll only need to learn a handful of Turkish words to enjoy your time in Istanbul. Here are the essential Turkish words that you”ll need and how to pronounce them.
This post is your quick course on Turkish for Tourists.
Merhaba = hello
SOUNDS LIKE: “Mare-ha-ba” If you only learn one Turkish word, this greeting should be it. You can use it at any time of day and with anyone you meet.
Günaydın = Good Morning
SOUNDS LIKE: “Gou-ny-din” Knowing how to say good morning is helpful in a city famous for its breakfast. And morning is the best time to get out before the crowds and enjoy Istanbul.
Lütfen = Please
SOUNDS LIKE: “Loot-fen” Don’t worry if you can’t ask for anything in Turkish. Simply saying what you want in English and adding lütfen at the end (with a smile) will go a long way with any Turk you meet.
Teşekkürler = Thanks
SOUNDS LIKE: “Tea-sh-eck-u-lair.” Of all the Turkish words tourists should learn, Teşekkürler may be the trickiest to get your mouth around. But don’t worry if you have to say it slowly so your tongue doesn’t get too tangled. Even attempting to say thanks in Turkish will be appreciated.
Tamman = Okay
SOUNDS LIKE: “Ta-mam” Tamam is handy and easy to say. Use it if you agree with anything. You can use it instead of EVET (YES in Turkish is Evet, SOUNDS LIKE: “Ev-et“).
Hayır/Yok = No
SOUNDS LIKE: “Higher” and “Yolk” Both mean NO, but Hayır is more direct. Yok also means “there isn’t” and is a softer, more casual way of saying no.
Numbers One to Five
Counting, even up to five, can be helpful, especially when shopping. And Turkish numbers are fun to say. Don’t worry if your mind goes blank; holding up your fingers also works. Most merchants in tourist areas who can’t speak English will punch the cost of your purchase into a calculator and show it to you to ensure the price is understood.
- BIR -“Beer”
- IKI – “Icky”
- ÜÇ- “Oo-ch”
- DÖRT- “Dirt”
- BEŞ – “Besh”
Pardon = Excuse Me.
SOUNDS LIKE: “Par-don” Ah, at last, a Turkish word that you already know. Pardon will come in handy when you want to exit a crowded tram. Unfortunately, the T1 tram line through Sultanahmet, where many of the most important tourist sites are located, can get pretty busy. Utter a couple of pardons, and people will move out of your way.
Hesap lütfen = Bill Please
SOUNDS LIKE: “Hey-sap loot-fen.” Here’s how to ask for the bill at the end of the meal. I’ve also found that the universal gesture of pretend writing in the air with your hand while gazing at your waiter will signal to them that you want to pay.
Ne kadar? = How Much?
SOUNDS LIKE: “Ne ka-dar” literally means how much. And they always reference US dollars if an amount is given in dollars versus Turkish lira. Sorry Canadians!
Şerefe = cheers!
SOUNDS LIKE: “Shar-e-fey” This is fun to know and use, even after you’ve returned home from Istanbul and want to give your cheers some Turkish flare.
Buyrun!
SOUNDS LIKE: “Boo-rum” Buyrun isn’t necessarily a word you’ll ever need to say, but you’ll hear it often, probably in rapid succession, “buyrun, buyrun, buyrun.” Shop owners, restaurant hosts, and even the guy on the sidewalk selling cold bottled water use “Buyrun” to lure you over for a sale. There isn’t an English equivalent or even a single meaning, but here are a few likely translations; “Please come in.” “Go ahead.” “Help yourself.”
Poşet? = Do you want a bag?
The last bit of Turkish for tourists will come in handy when grocery shopping. There are two questions that you’re typically asked at the cash register.
Do you have a loyalty card? And do you want a bag?
For example, if you shop at Migros, a major grocery chain in Turkiye, they will ask, “Migros Kartı?” Which is, “‘Do you have a Migros card?” And then, if you need a bag, they will simply ask, “Poşet?”
Say “Evet” if you want a bag and “Hayır” if you don’t.
And that’s it! Of course, you won’t have any deep, meaningful conversation, but this is enough Turkish for tourists to help you get by. Google Translate is also super helpful, and you’ll find that many Turks also use Google to communicate with tourists.
With your newfound Turkish, you’re ready to shop. Check out 21 Incredible Turkish Souvenirs to Buy in Istanbul.
