Useful Turkish phrases for tourists

In Turkish resort towns many hotel and shop staff understand English, Ukrainian or Russian. Still, a few words in Turkish make conversations warmer: locals appreciate it when guests greet and thank them in their language, and at a market it can even help you get a discount.

Below are useful Turkish phrases for tourists with pronunciation: greetings, how to say thank you, phrases for shops, cafes and everyday situations. Turkish words are usually stressed on the last syllable.

Greetings in Turkish

English	Turkish	Pronunciation
Hello	Merhaba	mer-ha-BA
Good morning	Günaydın	gyu-nai-DUN
Have a nice day	İyi günler	ee-YEE gyun-LER
Good evening	İyi akşamlar	ee-YEE ak-sham-LAR
Good night	İyi geceler	ee-YEE ge-je-LER
Goodbye	Hoşça kalın	HOSH-cha ka-LUN
How are you?	Nasılsınız?	na-sul-su-NUZ
I am fine	İyiyim	ee-yee-YIM

How to say thank you and please in Turkish

The most common way to say thank you in Turkish is Teşekkür ederim. In a cafe or taxi the shorter Teşekkürler or the friendly Sağ ol is enough.

English	Turkish	Pronunciation
Thank you	Teşekkür ederim	te-shek-KYUR e-de-RIM
Thanks	Teşekkürler	te-shek-kyur-LER
Thanks (casual)	Sağ ol	SA-ol
You are welcome	Rica ederim	ri-JA e-de-RIM
Please	Lütfen	LYUT-fen
Excuse me, sorry	Pardon / Affedersiniz	par-DON / af-fe-der-si-NIZ
Yes / No	Evet / Hayır	e-VET / HA-yur

Phrases for shops and markets

English	Turkish	Pronunciation
How much is it?	Bu ne kadar?	boo ne ka-DAR
Too expensive	Çok pahalı	chok pa-ha-LU
Is there a discount?	İndirim var mı?	in-di-RIM var MU
One piece	Bir tane	bir ta-NE

In a cafe or restaurant

English	Turkish	Pronunciation
The bill, please	Hesap, lütfen	he-SAP LYUT-fen
Enjoy your meal	Afiyet olsun	a-fi-YET ol-SUN
Water	Su	soo
Tea	Çay	chai
Beer / wine	Bira / Şarap	bi-RA / sha-RAP
Glass	Bardak	bar-DAK