Let’s be real, Google Translate won’t save you when you’re staring at a mustachioed tea vendor waiting for your response, or when your bus driver gestures wildly at a sign you can’t read. Turkish isn’t just about words; it’s about surviving the kebab-fueled chaos with charm. Here’s the bare minimum you need to know, minus the fluff.👇
- Say this to everyone. The shopkeeper, the cat on the street, yourself in the mirror. Turks love greetings.
- Shortcut: Just say “teşekkür” fast and nod. They’ll appreciate the effort.
- Critical for surviving 3pm slumps. Swap “kahve” with “çay” (chai) for tea.
- Use while pointing at baklava or that suspiciously cheap leather jacket.
- Emergency phrase. Learn it before “I love Turkey.”
- Say this before eating. Waiters will beam at you like you’re their long-lost cousin.
- Secret weapon: Ask after attempting Turkish. They’ll switch to help you.
- Clink rakı glasses with this. Instant friendship booster.
- For when someone rattles off directions like an auctioneer.
- Only say this if you’re leaving. If they’re leaving, say “Hoşça kal” (hosh-cha kal).
“Susuz” (soo-sooz) – No water (e.g., for your tea if you’re weird)
“Acılı” (ah-juh-luh) – Spicy (say this before biting into that pepper)
“Acil!” (ah-jil) – Emergency! (hopefully never needed)
“Dikkat!” (dik-kat) – Watch out! (for rogue scooters)
“Yok” (yok) – No/Don’t have (universal life-saver)
'Evet' (E-vet) – Yes (a must know)
'Hayır' (Ha-yır) – No (another essential)
It is phonetic so it is pronounced in exactly the same way as it is read
There are 29 letters in the alphabet
The letters Q , W and X are not in the Turkish alphabet
The Turkish alphabet has some letters that are not present in English including ö ç ş ı ğ ü
The current Turkish alphabet was introduced in 1928 by the founder of Turkey called Mustafa Kemal Ataturk
In the East, many people will also speak Kurdish
“Siz“ is formal and kept for people that you are unfamiliar with. “Sen ” is informal and used when speaking with friends and family.
Surnames are seldom used in everyday conversations. Women are referred to as hanım so Zeynep will be called Zeynep Hanım. Men are referred to as Bey so Mustafa will be called Mustafa Bey.
Examples include:
Ayse Teyze – Auntie Ayse
Mehmet Amca – Uncle Mehmet
Abla – my elder sister
Abi – My elder brother
Hoca – used when talking about a wise man, like a teacher, advisor or mentor.
Kanka – my best friend, often used casually to refer to people
You will still hear Arabic references in daily life. For example, when someone enters a crowded room, they will say “selâmünaleyküm” and people will respond with “aleykümselâm“
Not all. Since English is taught in schools, the majority of Turks know the basics. Install an app or bring a tiny phrase book you may consult if necessary should you plan to explore off-the-beaten-path locations.
English is widely spoken in tourist and expat locations, like as the Mediterranean and Aegean coast resorts, and occasionally the Turks can mimic an English accent rather well!