Nightlife

1. Şerefe!

   Şe-re-fe!

   Cheers!

   Usage

   The standard toast used when raising glasses

   Grammar Note

   Literally "to/for honor". From Arabic "şeref" (honor) + dative suffix "-e". Used just like "cheers" in English.

2. Bir bira lütfen

   Bir bi-ra lüt-fen

   One beer, please

   Usage

   Used to order beer at a bar or restaurant

   Grammar Note

   Popular Turkish beer brands include "Efes" and "Tuborg". Despite a Muslim majority, alcohol is widely available in urban bars and tourist areas.

3. Ne içersiniz?

   Ne i-çer-si-niz?

   What would you like to drink?

   Usage

   Polite expression used to offer someone a drink

   Grammar Note

   "içmek" (to drink) aorist "-er" + formal second person "-siniz". Can be used to offer to buy someone a drink.

4. Dans edelim mi?

   Dans e-de-lim mi?

   Shall we dance?

   Usage

   Used to invite someone to dance at a club or party

   Grammar Note

   The "-elim" suffix forms the cohortative "let's...". Adding "mi?" turns it into a suggestion "shall we...?" checking the other person's preference.

5. Müzik harika

   Mü-zik ha-ri-ka

   The music is great

   Usage

   A good conversation starter at clubs or bars

   Grammar Note

   "harika" (wonderful, amazing) is from Arabic. Add "Çok harika!" to emphasize further: "It's incredibly amazing!"

6. Rakı içer misiniz?

   Ra-kı i-çer mi-si-niz?

   Do you drink rakı?

   Usage

   Used to offer "rakı", the traditional Turkish anise spirit

   Grammar Note

   Rakı turns milky white when water is added, earning the nickname "aslan sütü" (lion's milk). Traditionally enjoyed with meze (appetizers).

7. Bu gece nereye gidelim?

   Bu ge-ce ne-re-ye gi-de-lim?

   Where shall we go tonight?

   Usage

   Used to discuss where to go out at night with friends

   Grammar Note

   "gidelim" is the cohortative of "gitmek" (to go). Istanbul's Beyoğlu district is famous for its vibrant nightlife.

8. Hesabı ben alıyorum

   He-sa-bı ben a-lı-yo-rum

   I'll get the bill

   Usage

   Used to offer to pay the bill for the group

   Grammar Note

   Turkish also has "ısmarlamak" (to treat someone). "Bu sefer bende" (this time it's on me) is another natural expression.

9. Yarın buluşalım mı?

   Ya-rın bu-lu-şa-lım mı?

   Shall we meet tomorrow?

   Usage

   Used during a night out to make plans to meet the next day

   Grammar Note

   "buluşmak" is a reciprocal verb meaning "to meet (each other)". "-alım/-elim" forms the cohortative "let's...".

10. Çok eğlendim

    Çok eğ-len-dim

    I had a great time

    Usage

    Used at the end of a fun evening as a farewell expression

    Grammar Note

    "eğlendim" is the simple past first person of "eğlenmek" (to have fun/enjoy oneself). Add "seninle" to say "I had fun with you".

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