Everyday politeness formulas

The formulas Turkish uses every day

Turkish leans on set phrases far more than English does. Several of these have no real English equivalent — you simply learn when they are said.

Thanking and answering

you're welcomerica ederim is the standard answer to *teşekkürler*. Note that it is not literal: the verb **rica etmek** means *to request*, but this frozen first-person form means **you're welcome**.

Getting attention and apologising

excuse meaffedersiniz opens almost any approach to a stranger — asking the way, the price, the time. here you are, go aheadbuyurun is its counterpart from the other side: a shopkeeper inviting you in, someone handing you an object, or a host waving you to a seat.

Wishes for a situation

formula	said to someone who…
get well soon	geçmiş olsun
is ill, or has just come through something bad
may your work go easily	kolay gelsin
is working — said on entering a shop or an office
bless you (after a sneeze)	çok yaşa
has just sneezed
congratulations	tebrikler
has achieved something
happy new year	mutlu yıllar
at New Year

Parting and greeting informally

take care of yourselfkendine iyi bak is a warm goodbye to a friend, and what's up, how are thingsne haber is the casual *what's up* — answered with *iyilik* or simply *iyiyim*.