Basic Words

1. Evet

   Yes

   Usage

   The shortest affirmative reply; use it to confirm anything

2. Hayır

   No

   Usage

   The basic negative reply; also works to decline an offer

3. Lütfen

   Please

   Usage

   Add it to any request or order; it also stands alone

4. Teşekkür ederim

   Thank you

   Usage

   Use it everywhere: after paying, after getting directions

5. Affedersiniz

   Excuse me

   Usage

   The opening word when you need a stranger's attention

6. Özür dilerim

   Sorry

   Usage

   An apology after bumping into someone or making a mistake

7. Sorun değil

   It's OK / I'm fine

   Usage

   Reply to an apology, or politely wave off offered help

8. Anlamıyorum

   I don't understand

   Usage

   Say it as soon as you lose the thread; people will rephrase

9. Anladım

   I understand

   Usage

   Confirms you followed an explanation

10. Bitti

    I'm finished / Done

    Usage

    Tell staff you have finished a meal or a procedure

11. Lütfen bekleyin

    Please wait

    Usage

    Use it when you need the other person to hold on

12. Bir dakika

    Just a moment

    Usage

    A shorter, lighter version for a very brief pause

13. Bir yetişkin, lütfen

    One adult, please

    Usage

    Say it at a ticket window or an entrance gate

14. Rezervasyonum yok

    I don't have a reservation

    Usage

    Tell a restaurant or hotel that you are a walk-in

15. Rezervasyonum var

    I have a reservation

    Usage

    Say it first at reception, then give your name

16. Lütfen bana yardım edin

    Please help me

    Usage

    For trouble or emergencies; a strong call for help

17. Bir kez daha, lütfen

    Once more, please

    Usage

    Ask someone to repeat what you missed

18. Lütfen yavaş konuşun

    Please speak slowly

    Usage

    When the speech is too fast; people almost always oblige

19. Biraz konuşuyorum

    I speak a little

    Usage

    Saying it early makes the other person slow down

20. İngilizce biliyor musunuz?

    Do you speak English?

    Usage

    Your fallback when you get stuck; ask with the polite pronoun

    Grammar Note

    The "-siniz" ending is the polite plural; always use it with strangers.

21. Bu

    This

    Usage

    Used while pointing at something within reach; "Bunu istiyorum" = I'd like this one

22. Şu

    That (nearby)

    Usage

    Used while pointing at something a little away; Turkish has three degrees: bu (near), şu (mid), o (far)

23. O

    That (over there)

    Usage

    Used while pointing at something far away. Note that "o" is also the third-person pronoun (he/she/it), so always point at the object; "o şey" (that thing) makes it explicit

24. Burada

    Here

    Usage

    Used while pointing at your current location, or at a point on a map

25. Şurada

    There (nearby)

    Usage

    Used while pointing at a place near the listener or just a little away

26. Orada

    Over there

    Usage

    Used while pointing at a place far from both of you

27. Ben

    I / me

    Usage

    Used while pointing at yourself; Turkish first-person pronouns do not change by gender

28. Siz

    You (polite)

    Usage

    Used while pointing at the listener; always use the polite "siz" with strangers, and "sen" only with people you know well

29. Birlikte

    Together

    Usage

    Conveys wanting to do something together; "beraber" means the same and is equally common

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