20 Must-Know Turkish Phrases for Travelers in Istanbul

Why Learn Basic Turkish?

While many people in Istanbul speak English, locals appreciate it immensely when you try to speak their language. Even a simple "Merhaba" breaks the ice and opens doors to Turkish hospitality!

The Absolute Essentials

1. Merhaba (Hello)

The standard greeting. Safe to use with anyone, anywhere, at any time of day.

2. Teşekkür ederim (Thank you)

It's a mouthful, but essential. Pronounce it like tesh-ek-kewr eh-der-im. If that's too hard, you can use the slightly more informal Sağol (Sa-ol).

3. Lütfen (Please)

A polite addition to any request, whether ordering tea or asking for directions.

4. Evet / Hayır (Yes / No)

The foundation of communication. Evet (eh-vet) means yes, and Hayır (high-uhr) means no. Note: Sometimes Turks will just click their tongue and raise their eyebrows to say 'no'.

5. Pardon (Excuse me)

Borrowed from French, this is used exactly as you'd expect: when bumping into someone or trying to get the waiter's attention.

6. Özür dilerim (I'm sorry)

Use this for actual apologies, like accidentally stepping on someone's foot on a crowded tram.

Basic Conversation

7. Nasılsınız? (How are you?)

This is the formal/plural version, perfect for speaking to strangers, shopkeepers, or the elderly.

8. İyiyim (I'm fine)

The standard response to "How are you?". Usually followed by "Teşekkür ederim".

9. İngilizce biliyor musunuz? (Do you speak English?)

A very useful phrase to have ready before attempting a complex conversation.

10. Anlamıyorum (I don't understand)

When the locals start speaking rapid-fire Turkish at you, deploy this phrase with a polite smile.

11. Kolay gelsin (May it be easy)

This is a magical phrase in Turkish culture. You say it to anyone who is working—a shopkeeper, a cleaning lady, a taxi driver. It acknowledges their effort and wishes them ease.

Shopping and Getting Around

12. Ne kadar? (How much?)

Essential for shopping in the Grand Bazaar or asking the price of a simit on the street.

13. Çok pahalı (Very expensive)

The official starting phrase for any haggling negotiation in a tourist shop!

14. ... nerede? (Where is ...?)

Add anything before "nerede". E.g., Ayasofya nerede? (Where is Hagia Sophia?) or Tuvalet nerede? (Where is the toilet?).

15. Burası (Here) / Şurası (There)

Very helpful when pointing at maps or telling a taxi driver where you want to go.

Dining Out

16. Hesap, lütfen (The bill, please)

You can also make a writing motion with your hand in the air to signal this across the restaurant.

17. Su, lütfen (Water, please)

You can replace "Su" (soo) with Çay (tea) or Kahve (coffee).

18. Ellerinize sağlık (Health to your hands)

A beautiful compliment said to the chef or a host after a very good meal.

19. Afiyet olsun (Bon appétit)

Waiters will say this to you when they serve your food. You can reply with a simple "Teşekkürler".

Goodbyes

20. Hoşça kalın / Güle güle (Goodbye)

If you are the one leaving, you say Hoşça kalın. If you are staying and the other person is leaving, you say Güle güle.