If only we could communicate and get rid of any barriers using sign language! Then we wouldn’t have a hard time searching for the right signal for “Where is the nearest loo?” Of course, most locals in Istanbul know how to speak English. But of course, learning a few phrases will help.
Really, you don’t need to get a course on Turkish to get by your vacation. You just need to know the requisite phrases so that you can ensure your enjoyment.
Hello, how are you? Mer-ha-ba. Na-sill-si-niz?
Thank you Te-she-koor e-de-rim, saa- ōl
Welcome Hōsh gel-dee-neez
Response to someone saying “Welcome” Hōsh bull-dook
Please Loot-fen
Good morning Goo-naii-dun
Good afternoon Too-naii-dun
Good evening Ee-y ak-sham-lar
Good night Ee go-je-ler
Good bye Hoska Cal
Have a nice day! Ee-yee gunler!
Excuse me (To get someone’s attention) Pardon, bakarmisiniz?
Excuse me (to pass by someone) Pardon, gesebeelirmiyim?
Are you English-speaking? Een-gee-leez-je bee-lee-yōr-moo-soo-nooz?
I don’t understand An-lami-yo-room
Speak slowly, please Loot-fen daha yavas konusun
Yes E-vet
No Ha-yur
Where is the hotel? Otel nerede?
Where is the loo/toilet? Tuvalet nerede?
How much? Ne kadar?
Check, please. He-sop loot-fen
Breakfast Kah-val-tu
Lunch ōr – le ye-me-ee
Dinner/Supper Ak-sham ye-me-ee
Days of the Week:
Monday Pa-zar-te-see
Tuesday Sa-lu
Wednesday Char-sham-ba
Thursday Per-shem-be
Friday Joo-ma
Saturday Joo-mar-te-see
Sunday Pa-zar
What is your name? Admiz ne?
My name is Anne? Benim adim Anne (or your name).
It’s my pleasure to meet you. Memnun oldum
I love you Seni seviyorum
Emergency
Help! Eemdat! Or Yar-dumet!
Stop! Dur!
Fire! Yangun!
Police Po-lees
Doctor Dok-tor
Food
Bread Ek-mek
Water Soo
Purified water Temeez Soo
Ice Booz
Beer Bee-ra
Coffee Kah-veh
Tea Chay
Salt Tooz
Sugar Sheker
Chicken Ta-vuk
Fish Ba-luk
Beef Sih-ir et-i
Pork Do-mooz
Vegetable Seb-ze
Soup Chor-ba
Travel
Taxi Tak-see
Train Tren
Bus O-to-bews
Subway Metro
Right Sah
Left Sok
Middle Orta
