Turkish with BuseTurkish Greetings: How to Say Hello, Goodbye and More
Greetings are where every Turkish conversation starts – and Turks love it when visitors try. Here are the phrases people really use, with the right answers.
Saying hello
| Turkish | Meaning | When to use | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Merhaba | Hello | Anytime, with anyone | |
| Selam | Hi | Friends, people your age | |
| Günaydın | Good morning | Until about 11:00 | |
| İyi günler | Good day / Have a nice day | Daytime, also when leaving a shop | |
| İyi akşamlar | Good evening | In the evening, hello or goodbye | |
| İyi geceler | Good night | Before going to bed or late at night |
How are you? – and the answers
Turkish has a casual and a polite “you”. Use sen forms with friends and children, and siz forms with older people, strangers and at work.
Meeting someone
Welcome!
When you arrive at someone’s home, you will hear Hoş geldin / Hoş geldiniz. The answer is always Hoş bulduk – it literally means “we found it nice”.
Saying goodbye
| Turkish | Meaning | Who says it | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Görüşürüz | See you | Anyone – the easiest one | |
| Hoşça kal | Goodbye | The person who is leaving | |
| Güle güle | Goodbye (go with smiles) | The person who is staying | |
| Kendine iyi bak | Take care | Friends and family |
Little phrases Turks use every day
Quick quiz: test yourself
1. Someone says “Hoş geldiniz!”. What do you answer?
2. You are leaving your friend’s house. What do you say?
3. Which is the polite way to ask “How are you?”
4. What does “Memnun oldum” mean?
5. A waiter is cleaning tables. What friendly thing can you say?
Practise this with Buse – free
Interactive lessons, listening, a speaking coach and a step-by-step path from A0 to C1. Start for free, no card needed.
Frequently asked questions
What is the most common way to say hello in Turkish?
Merhaba. It works in every situation. With friends you can also say Selam.
What is the difference between “Hoşça kal” and “Güle güle”?
Hoşça kal is said by the person leaving; Güle güle is said by the person who stays.
How do I say thank you in Turkish?
Teşekkür ederim (polite) or Sağ ol / Teşekkürler (casual). The answer is Rica ederim.