Updated Date : 10.06.2025
As the bridge between Europe and Asia, Turkey has a rich cultural heritage and a unique identity that's reflected in its language. Learning some basic Turkish can help travelers navigate the country more easily. Connect with locals, and gain a deeper understanding of the culture. For beginners, we'll introduce some basic grammar, vocabulary, and useful phrases to help you get started.
Turkish is a member of the Turkic language family and is spoken by over 350 million people worldwide. It is the official language of Turkey. Also spoken in Northern Cyprus, Azerbaijan, Iran, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Russia, Hungary, Iraq, Bulgaria, Greece, Romania, and more countries.
The first thing you should know is how to greet people in Turkish. The most common greeting in Turkey is "Merhaba," which means "hello" in English. You can also use "Selam" or "Selamlar," which is more informal and is used between friends and family members.
The word order in Turkish is usually subject-object-verb, and the language is written using the Latin alphabet.
Basic Phrases for Travelers:
Merhaba - Hello
Nasilsin? - How are you?
İyiyim, tesekkur ederim. - I'm fine, thank you.
Adiniz ne? - What is your name?
Benim adim... - My name is...
Memnun oldum. - Nice to meet you.
Hosca kal - Goodbye
Lutfen - Please
Tesekkur ederim - Thank you
Rica ederim - You're welcome
"Evet" - yes
"Hayir" – no
"Afedersiniz" - excuse me/pardon me
"Anlamiyorum" - I don't understand
“Turkce bilmiyorum” – I don’t speak Turkish
"Konusabilir misiniz?" - Can you speak...?
If you're traveling around Turkey, you might find these phrases useful when using public transportation.
Nereye gidiyorsunuz? - Where are you going?
Otobus/Metro/Tren nerede? - Where ispersonbus/metro/train?
Bilet ne kadar? - How much is the ticket?
Iki bileti lutfen. - Two tickets, please.
Hangi peron? - Which platform?
Indir beni burada. - Drop me off here.
Taksi lutfen. - Taxi, please.
Adrese gitmek istiyorum. - I want to go to this address.
Kac para? - How much is it?
Turkish cuisine is known for its delicious kebabs, mezze, and baklava. Here are some phrases that you can use when dining out in Turkey:
Menu, lutfen. - Menu, please.
Siparis vermek istiyorum. -Ii would like to order.
iki adet corba lutfen. - Two soups, please.
su ana kadar her sey harika. - Everything is great so far.
Hesap, lutfen. - Bill, please.
Bahsis – Tip
Turkey is famous for its bazaars and markets, where you can find beautiful carpets, spices, and other souvenirs. Here are some phrases that you can use when shopping in Turkey:
Ne kadar? - How much is it?
cok pahali - Too expensive.
Indirim yapabilir misiniz? - Can you give me a discount?
Bu ne kadar surer? - How long does it take?
Satin almak istiyorum. - I want to buy this.
Kredi karti kabul ediyor musunuz? - Do you accept credit cards?
Fatura, lutfen. – Check please
If you get lost or can't find your destination, don't hesitate to ask someone for help. Most Turkish people are known for their hospitality and kindness towards visitors, and they will likely be more than happy to assist you. Asking for directions can be an excellent opportunity. Practice your Turkish language skills and even strike up a conversation with a local. Not only will you receive the information you need to reach your destination, but you may also make a new friend in the process. So, if you find yourself lost or unsure of where to go, don't be afraid to approach someone for help.
With an Istanbul E-pass also you will not feel alone in Istanbul. After having an Istanbul E-pass, you will have a WhatsApp support group. Which is customer Support will not let you feel strange and alone on Istanbul’s streets. You can feel free to if you will ever need any questions about Istanbul and Istanbul E-pass.