How to say hello & more in Turkish: 18 phrases + audio

Hello & how are you

1. Merhaba.

   Say it like: MEHR-hah-bah

   Hello.

   Neutral · Works almost anywhere, any time of day.
2. Herkese merhaba!

   Say it like: HEHR-keh-seh MEHR-hah-bah

   Hi everyone!

   Neutral · When you join a group that is already chatting.
3. Günaydın.

   Say it like: gün-eye-DUHN

   Good morning.

   Neutral · In the morning.

Introducing yourself

1. Benim adım …

   Say it like: beh-NEEM ah-DUHM

   My name is …

   Neutral · Add your first name.
2. Adınızı öğrenebilir miyim?

   Say it like: ah-duh-nuh-ZUH ö-reh-neh-bee-LEER mee-yeem

   What is your name? (polite)

   Formal · For hosts, older people or formal settings.
3. Adın ne?

   Say it like: ah-DUHN neh

   What's your name?

   Informal · Among peers at a relaxed event.

Small talk

1. Daha önce buraya geldin mi?

   Say it like: dah-HAH ön-JEH boo-RAH-yah gel-DEEN mee

   Have you been here before?

   Informal · An easy way to start a chat.
2. Burası çok güzel bir yer.

   Say it like: BOO-rah-suh chok gü-ZEL beer YEHR

   It's a really nice place.

   Neutral · A friendly comment about the venue.
3. Ne zamandır burada yaşıyorsun?

   Say it like: neh zah-MAHN-duhr boo-rah-DAH yah-SHUH-yor-soon

   How long have you lived here?

   Informal · Locals and expats both like this question.

Understanding each other

1. Pardon, anlayamadım.

   Say it like: par-DON, ahn-lah-yah-mah-DUHM

   Sorry, I didn't understand.

   Neutral · Honest and polite: people will help.
2. Tekrar eder misiniz, lütfen?

   Say it like: tek-RAHR eh-DEHR mee-see-neez, LÜT-fen

   Could you repeat that, please?

   Formal · A polite way to hear it again.
3. Biraz daha yavaş konuşabilir misin?

   Say it like: bee-RAHZ dah-HAH yah-VAHSH ko-noo-shah-bee-LEER mee-seen

   Could you speak more slowly, please?

   Informal · Nobody minds: it's a common request.

Coffee & plans

1. Bir ara kahve içelim mi?

   Say it like: beer ah-RAH kah-VEH ee-cheh-LEEM mee

   Shall we get a coffee sometime?

   Informal · A friendly, low-pressure invite after a good chat.
2. Bize katılmak ister misin?

   Say it like: bee-ZEH kah-tuhl-MAHK ees-TEHR mee-seen

   Would you like to join us?

   Informal · Include someone who is standing alone.
3. Bu hafta sonu boş musun?

   Say it like: boo hahf-TAH so-NOO BOSH moo-soon

   Are you free this weekend?

   Informal · A relaxed way to suggest plans.

Contacts & goodbye

1. İletişimde kalalım mı?

   Say it like: ee-leh-tee-sheem-DEH kah-lah-LUHM muh

   Shall we stay in touch?

   Neutral · Polite, with no pressure.
2. Bu benim numaram.

   Say it like: boo beh-NEEM noo-mah-RAHM

   Here's my number.

   Neutral · Only share it if you feel comfortable.
3. İstediğin zaman bana yaz.

   Say it like: ees-teh-dee-EEN zah-MAHN bah-NAH YAHZ

   Message me anytime.

   Informal · A friendly follow-up after exchanging contacts.

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