Even if your travel group or study abroad program will be conducted completely in English, you’ll still need to learn some Turkish language basics to get the most out of your stay.
To think of it a different way, you’ll want to learn these phrases at a minimum to avoid some uncomfortable situations (no one wants to be seen as the ugly tourist).
Here are 40 key Turkish language phrases to know before you travel.
SKIP TO TRANSLATIONS FOR …
Daily life
Restaurants
Emergencies and legal
Money and purchases
Traveling
14 phrases for daily life while traveling in Turkey
No matter how well you plan, minute-to-minute activities are the most likely spots where you’ll get tripped up while trying to speak Turkish. Instead, take time to memorize these 15 Turkish phrases for quick recall during your travels.
- Hello: Merhaba
- Goodbye: Güle güle
- Yes: Evet
- No: Hayir
- Please: Lütfen
- Thank you: Teşekkürler
- I’m sorry: Üzgünüm
- Excuse me: Affedersin
- My name is ____: Benim adım ____
- How are you?: Nasılsın?
- Where is ____?: _____nerede?
- Where is the bathroom?: Banyo nerede?
- Can you show me on this map?: Anlamıyorum
- I don’t understand: Anlamıyorum
Four phrases for eating and drinking in Turkey
You’re going to get hungry. Commit these to quick recall for when you need them.
- May I please have a menu?: Menü lütfen
- May I have the bill/check?: Hesap lütfen
- Where is the market/grocery store?: Market nerede?
- Is this water safe to drink?: Bu su içmek için güvenli mi?
11 phrases for emergency or medical situations while traveling in Europe
You can’t anticipate an emergency. Instead, know these quick phrases in case you’re caught in a bad situation.
- This is an emergency: Bu acil bir durum.
- Fire!: Ateş!
- I need a doctor: Bir doktora ihtiyacım var
- I feel sick: Kötü hissediyorum
- I need medicine: Ilaca ihtiyacım var
- I’m allergic to ______: _____ alerjim var
- I would like to speak with a lawyer: Bir avukatla konuşmak istiyorum
- I would like to speak with my embassy: Yardıma ihtiyacım var.
- I need help: Yardıma ihtiyacım var.
- Where is the police station?: Polis karakolu nerede?
- Stop that thief!: Durdurun şu hırsızı!
Five phrases for shopping in Turkey
The more you can speak with shop owners, the better you can assess your options for getting deals (or even bartering). Here are five phrases that will help.
- How much does this cost?: Bu kaça mal oluyor
- Are there student rates/prices?: Öğrenci fiyatları var mı?
- Do you take credit cards?: Kredi kartı kabul ediyor musunuz?
- Where can I exchange money?: Nerede para bozdurabilirim?
- Where is the closest ATM?: Bankamatik nerede?
Six phrases to know while traveling in Turkey
You may rely on public transportation or walking during your trip to Turkey. That means you’re going to need to ask a lot of questions. Knowing these six phrases will help.
- What does a ticket cost?: Bilet ne kadar?
- How long is this trip?: Yolculuk ne kadar?
- When does it arrive? (for any mode of transportation): Ne zaman gelir?
- Where is the bus stop?: Otobüs durağı nerede?
- Where is the metro/subway?: Metro nerede?
- Please take me to the airport: Havaalanı lütfen
