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Questions & Answers about İyi geceler, hoşça kal!
Why is geceler plural if the English translation is just "Good night"?
In Turkish, many common greetings use the plural form to express a broad or ongoing wish. Just like iyi günler (good days) and iyi akşamlar (good evenings), iyi geceler literally translates to "good nights."
What does hoşça kal literally mean?
It translates to "stay pleasantly" or "stay well." It combines hoşça (pleasantly) and kal, which is the command form of the verb "to stay."
Can I say hoşça kal to someone who is leaving?
No, this is a special rule in Turkish! Because it literally means "stay well," hoşça kal is only said by the person who is leaving. The person who is staying behind replies with güle güle (literally "go smilingly").
Is hoşça kal polite enough for formal situations?
Hoşça kal uses the informal, singular command kal (stay). If you are speaking to a group of people, or to someone you want to show formal respect to, you should use the formal version: hoşça kalın.