Hayır
/HA-yuhr/
English Meaning
No
Example Sentence in Context
“Hayır, teşekkürler.”
“No, thanks.”
Grammar & Usage
Standard word for disagreement. In very informal speech, Turks sometimes just click their tongue upwards to mean 'no' (cık).
Word Origin & Etymology
From Arabic 'ḫayr' (good/best). Semantically shifted in Turkish to mean 'no' (perhaps originally 'may it be for the best').
Cultural Context
Turks have a very common non-verbal 'no': raising the eyebrows and clicking the tongue ('tsk'). It is not considered rude, just informal.
Common Idioms & Phrases
“Hayır demek”
“To refuse / to say no”
“Hayırlısı olsun”
“May the best happen (used when hoping for a good outcome)”
Related Vocabulary in "Greetings & Essential Phrases"
Practice "Hayır" with Flashcards
Beginner Basics
Master this word along with others in the Greetings & Essential Phrases category.