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Questions & Answers about Merhaba, hoş geldiniz!
What is the literal translation of hoş geldiniz?
Hoş means "pleasant" or "nice", and geldiniz is the past tense verb meaning "you came". So, it literally translates to "you came pleasantly" or "it is nice that you came".
Why does this greeting use the past tense "you came" (geldiniz)?
In Turkish, you are acknowledging the physical action of the person arriving. Since they have already stepped into your home or shop by the time you greet them, the action of coming is in the past!
I learned that the -iniz ending is for the plural "you". Why use it if I am welcoming just one person?
The plural "you" ending is also used as a formal, polite way to address a single person in Turkish. It is standard to say hoş geldiniz to guests, customers, or strangers. For a close friend or child, you can use the informal singular version: hoş geldin.
What is the correct way to reply when someone says hoş geldiniz to me?
The traditional response is hoş bulduk, which literally means "we found it pleasant." It is the polite and expected way to accept the welcome, especially when entering someone's home.