Hayır
English Meaning
No
“Hayır” in Example Sentences
Hayır, teşekkürler.
No, thanks.
— Kahve ister misin? — Hayır, teşekkürler.
— Would you like coffee? — No, thanks.
Hayır, öyle demek istemedim.
No, that's not what I meant.
Usage Note
In everyday speech 'yok' often replaces 'hayır': 'Yok, istemiyorum' (No, I don't want it). The noun 'hayır' also means 'good, charity', as in 'Hayırlı olsun' (May it bring good fortune).
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)”
Keep Learning
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Practice “Hayır” with Flashcards
Beginner Basics
Master this word along with others in the Greetings & Essential Phrases category.