Essential Turkish Phrases for Tourists in Istanbul: Quick Pocket Guide
Knowing a few basic Turkish words makes navigating Istanbul significantly easier. While English is widely spoken in tourist hubs like Sultanahmet, Galata, and Kadıköy, locals warmly appreciate visitors who attempt the native language.
Here is your quick-reference pocket guide for everyday interactions in Istanbul.
Quick Pronunciation Rules
Turkish is a phonetic language, meaning every letter corresponds to a single sound. Keep these distinct characters in mind:
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Ç ç: Pronounced like “ch” in church.
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Ş ş: Pronounced like “sh” in shop.
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Ğ ğ (Soft G): Silent; it simply elongates the preceding vowel.
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I ı (Undotted I): Pronounced like the “a” in sofa or “e” in taken.
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Ö ö: Pronounced like “ur” in turn.
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Ü ü: Pronounced like “ew” in few.
Key Greetings & Politeness
| English | Turkish | Phonetic Pronunciation |
| Hello (Formal) | Merhaba | MER-hah-bah |
| Hi (Informal) | Selam | seh-LAHM |
| Good Morning | Günaydın | gew-nahy-DUHN |
| Good Day | İyi günler | ee-YEE goon-LER |
| Thank You | Teşekkür ederim | teh-shek-KEWR eh-deh-rim |
| Thanks (Short) | Teşekkürler / Sağol | teh-shek-kewr-LER / SAA-ol |
| Please | Lütfen | LEWT-fen |
| You’re Welcome | Rica ederim | ree-JAH eh-deh-rim |
| Excuse Me / Sorry | Affedersiniz / Pardon | ahf-feh-DAR-suh-nuhz |
| Yes / No | Evet / Hayır | eh-VET / HAH-yuhr |
Essential Questions & Transportation
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Where is the toilet?: Tuvalet nerede? (too-vah-LET NEH-reh-deh)
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Where is the metro station?: Metro istasyonu nerede? (MET-roh ee-stahs-YOH-noo NEH-reh-deh)
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Where is the ferry terminal?: Vapur iskelesi nerede? (vah-POOR ee-skeh-leh-see NEH-reh-deh)
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Stop here, please (Taxi/Dolmuş): Burada durun, lütfen (BOO-rah-dah doo-ROON lewt-fen)
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Do you speak English?: İngilizce biliyor musunuz? (een-gee-LEEZ-jeh bee-lee-YOR moo-soo-nooz)
Shopping & Dining Vocabulary
Shopping Phrases
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How much is this?: Bu ne kadar? (boo NEH kah-dar)
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It’s too expensive: Çok pahalı (chok pah-hah-LUH)
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Can I pay by credit card?: Kredi kartı geçiyor mu? (KREH-dee kar-TUH geh-chee-YOR moo)
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I’m just looking: Sadece bakıyorum (SAH-deh-jeh bah-kuh-YOH-room)
Dining Phrases
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Menu, please: Menü, lütfen (meh-NEW lewt-fen)
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The bill, please: Hesap, lütfen (heh-SAHP lewt-fen)
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Water: Su (soo) | Tea: Çay (chahy) | Coffee: Kahve (KAH-veh)
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Enjoy your meal: Afiyet olsun! (ah-fee-YET ol-soon)
Emergency Phrases
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Help!: İmdat! (EEM-daht)
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Pharmacy: Eczane (ej-zah-NEH) (Look for the red ‘E’ sign)
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Police: Polis (poh-LEES)
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Hospital: Hastane (hahs-tah-NEH)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do people speak English in Istanbul?
Yes, English is common in major tourist areas, hotels, museums, and popular restaurants. However, basic Turkish is helpful when using public transport, taxis, or visiting local neighborhood markets.
Is bargaining customary in Istanbul?
Bargaining is expected in traditional markets like the Grand Bazaar and Spice Bazaar. It is not practiced in modern retail stores, supermarkets, or fine dining establishments.
How do I address a service staff politely in Turkey?
You can use “Bakar mısınız?” (Excuse me / Could you look here?) to call a waiter, or simply say “Teşekkürler” when receiving service.
