Turkish Greetings + Cultural Tips

Everyone knows Merhaba, but Turkish speakers draw from a rich repertoire of greetings shaped by the time of day, the relationship between speakers, and a deeply ingrained culture of hospitality. Mastering these 13 greetings will help you navigate social situations in Turkey with warmth and confidence.

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Turkey has a greeting culture that goes far beyond a simple "hello." From the iconic call-and-response of Hoş geldiniz / Hoş bulduk to the respectful formality built into verb suffixes, every greeting carries social meaning. This guide walks you through the most essential Turkish greetings, organized by formality and context, so you always know which one to use.

All 13 Turkish Greetings at a Glance

Formal Greetings

Turkish formality is signaled primarily through verb suffixes. The -sınız ending addresses someone with the polite/plural "you" (siz), while -sın uses the familiar "you" (sen). When greeting strangers, elders, or in professional settings, always default to the formal form.

Merhaba — The Universal Hello

Merhaba (mehr-hah-bah) is Turkey's all-purpose greeting. It works at any time of day, in any context, and at any level of formality. Derived from the Arabic word for "welcome," it has been part of the Turkish language for centuries. You can never go wrong starting with Merhaba.

Günaydın — Bright Morning Greeting

Günaydın (gew-nah-yduhn) literally means "the day is bright" and is used as "Good morning." Turks use it from waking up until around noon. It carries a cheerful, optimistic tone and is a favorite in workplaces, at breakfast tables, and between neighbors meeting in the hallway.

İyi akşamlar — Good Evening

İyi akşamlar (ee-yee ahk-shahm-lahr) means "Good evenings" — note the plural form, which is standard in Turkish time-of-day greetings. Use it from late afternoon onward. It is appropriate with anyone, from a waiter at a restaurant to a business associate at a dinner meeting.

Nasılsınız? — Formal "How Are You?"

Nasılsınız? (nah-suhl-suh-nuhz) is the formal way to ask "How are you?" The -sınız suffix marks the polite siz form. Use it with people you address as siz — strangers, elders, teachers, and professionals. The standard reply is İyiyim, teşekkür ederim. Siz nasılsınız? (I'm fine, thank you. How are you?).

Memnun oldum — Nice to Meet You

Memnun oldum (mehm-noon ohl-doom) literally translates to "I became pleased" and is used when meeting someone for the first time. It is the standard first-introduction phrase in both social and professional settings and is often accompanied by a handshake.

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Informal Greetings

Among friends, family, and peers, Turkish greetings become warmer and more relaxed. The sen (informal "you") form is used, and greetings often come with a genuine curiosity about how the other person is doing.

Selam — Casual Hi

Selam (seh-lahm) is the Turkish equivalent of "hi" or "hey." Derived from the Arabic word for peace, it is widely used among friends and young people. It is short, breezy, and perfect for everyday encounters with people you know well. You will also see it frequently in text messages and social media.

Nasılsın? — Informal "How Are You?"

Nasılsın? (nah-suhl-suhn) drops the formal -ız ending and uses the sen form. Use it with friends, siblings, classmates, and anyone you are on familiar terms with. The casual reply might be İyiyim, sen? (I'm good, you?) or even just İyi (Good).

Ne haber? — What's Up?

Ne haber? (neh hah-behr) literally means "What news?" and functions as the Turkish "What's up?" It is casual and friendly, inviting the other person to share what is going on in their life. Common replies include İyilik (Good things), Şöyle böyle (So-so), or Bir şey yok (Nothing much).

The Turkish Hospitality Greeting: Hoş geldiniz / Hoş bulduk

No guide to Turkish greetings would be complete without the famous call-and-response pair that defines Turkish hospitality.

Hoş geldiniz — Welcome

Hoş geldiniz (hosh gel-dee-neez) means "You came well" or "Welcome." You will hear it everywhere: when entering someone's home, arriving at a shop, checking into a hotel, or visiting an office. The informal version is Hoş geldin (dropping the -iz).

Hoş bulduk — The Expected Reply

Hoş bulduk (hosh bool-dook) means "We found it pleasant" and is the traditional response to Hoş geldiniz. This exchange is so deeply embedded in Turkish culture that not replying would feel incomplete, like leaving someone's handshake hanging in the air. Learning this pair will immediately endear you to Turkish speakers.

Farewells

İyi geceler — Good Night

İyi geceler (ee-yee geh-jeh-lehr) means "Good nights" and is used when parting ways in the evening or before going to sleep. Like the other time-of-day greetings, it uses the plural form.

Görüşürüz — See You Later

Görüşürüz (guh-rew-shew-rewz) literally means "We will see each other" and is used as a casual "See you later." It implies you expect to meet again, making it warmer than a simple goodbye.

Hoşça kal — Goodbye

Hoşça kal (hosh-chah kahl) means "Stay pleasantly" and is said by the person who is leaving to the person who is staying. The person leaving might also hear Güle güle ("Go smilingly") from the person staying behind. This leaving/staying distinction is a charming feature of Turkish farewells.

Turkish Hospitality Culture

Turkish greeting customs are inseparable from the broader culture of misafirperverlik (hospitality). In Turkey, a guest is considered sacred — there is even a saying, Misafir on gün mübarek olur ("A guest brings blessings for ten days"). Here are some cultural norms to keep in mind:

• Tea is always offered. When you visit a Turkish home or even a shop, you will almost certainly be offered çay (tea). Accepting is a sign of respect and warmth.
• Elders are greeted first. In group settings, always greet the eldest person first. You may also see younger Turks kiss the hand of an elder and touch it to their forehead as a sign of deep respect.
• Cheek kisses are common. Close friends and family often greet each other with a kiss on both cheeks. Between men, a firm handshake and sometimes a pat on the back is standard.
• Shoes come off at the door. When entering a Turkish home, remove your shoes. Your host will likely provide slippers — another expression of the greeting ritual.

Quick Reference: When to Use Each Greeting

• Any situation, any time: Merhaba
• Morning: Günaydın
• Evening: İyi akşamlar
• Formal "How are you?": Nasılsınız?
• Friends and peers: Selam or Ne haber?
• First introduction: Memnun oldum
• Arriving somewhere: Reply Hoş bulduk to Hoş geldiniz
• Leaving: Hoşça kal (to the person staying) or Görüşürüz