10 Turkish phrases you will hear in every conversation
Merhaba
From “kolay gelsin” to “afiyet olsun”: the everyday Turkish phrases textbooks skip.
Why these phrases matter
Textbooks teach you “Nasılsın?”. Real people say “Naber?” and then something warm that has no direct English translation. These little phrases are the glue of Turkish conversation.
Learn them by ear first. Each one below comes with a real-life situation so you know exactly when to use it.
At work and in shops
You will hear these in every shop, office and taxi.
Kolay gelsin
May it come easy. Said to anyone who is working.
Hayırlı işler
Wishing you good business. A friendly hello to shopkeepers.
Ellerine sağlık
Health to your hands. Thanks for food or anything handmade.
At the table
Food is love in Turkey, and so are the phrases around it.
Afiyet olsun
Enjoy your meal. Said before or after eating.
Eline sağlık
Thank you to the cook, informal.
Everyday life
Use these and people will smile.
Geçmiş olsun
Get well soon, or sorry that happened.
Hayırlı olsun
Congratulations on something new.
Kusura bakma
Sorry, do not mind it.
How to practise
Pick two phrases and use them in your next postcard. Native speakers love hearing them and will often teach you one more in their reply.