Respectful address to a Turk. Appeals in Turkey. Business trip to Turkey
During one of the classes, I found out with my teacher how, when, to whom and with what words it is more appropriate to address people. After all, in the Turkish language this is also a special section.
The most respectful addresses in communication are “bey” (“beat”) for men and “hanım” (“hanim”) for women. These particles are usually attached to the name. “Mehmet Bey”, “Olga Khanum”... If they address you like this, it means they are showing special affection and want to emphasize respect for you. Sometimes they also use bay (for men) and bayan (for women). Yes, you can find these same inscriptions, for example, on the toilet door. You should be more careful not to confuse)).
Somewhere in the market or in a shop you can hear someone say “abi-cim” (for men) or abla-cim (“abla-jim”), which translates quite nicely: “brother”, “sister”. Literally it looks something like this: “Sister, dear, take good tomatoes, and strawberries from the garden just today.” In general, this could be regarded as familiarity, if not for the wide smiles and sincerity of the sellers. Most of them are simple guys from villages, where such treatment is completely appropriate, and just shows a kind attitude towards a person. In Turkey it’s like this: the more often you see a person, for any reason, be it an au pair coming to you, the attitude will warm up, which is immediately reflected in the words addressed. So, “hanim” after some time can turn into “teyze-cim” (“teyze-jim”), “auntie”.
In Turkey, it is also amazing how much they try to emphasize respect for elders in their language. I think this is also a very important part of culture. We should also be more careful with this and once again add the necessary particles. I have heard many times how even small children, for example, constantly add “abi” to the names of their older brothers.
It must be said that men somehow have more opportunities to “decorate” their speech when addressing each other. This is the respectful “abi”, which sounds different from a man’s mouth, and the slightly mischievous “kaptan” (“kaptan”) in relation to the driver, and this is especially “usta” (“usta”) - “master”. They can address this way, emphasizing respect, both to their boss or partner, with whom they have already established a close relationship, and to some truly master of their craft - a cook, a mechanic... She specifically clarified that, after all, a decent “khanym” cannot afford to address to men in this way, so that women are left with only the almost standard “canım” (“janim”), “my soul”, “dear”, which, unfortunately, the Turks insert into and out of business, without even thinking, how deep a meaning this word carries. For most of them, almost everything is “janym”. True, of course, there are people who can use this word exclusively for loved ones and relatives. However, there is one expression where canım does not carry that special meaning. “Yok canım”, “yok dzhanym” - “no”, when they simply answer a question in the negative and this “dzhanym” just automatically rolls off the tongue))).
For wives there is also “karı” (“punishments”), for husbands “koca” (“koja”). Don’t repeat my mistakes and confuse “koca” with “hoca” (“hoja”), “teacher”. When I “mixed it up” more than once in a conversation, my Turkish teacher laughed for a long time afterwards. Although in reality these calls are used less often. To designate their husband or wife they can now say “eşim” (“eshim”).
There are also hooligan “avrat”, “baba” and “herif”, “man” - but these are very rude words, so you can only “screw them in” in a joking conversation with your husband ))). But I warn you about these words just in case, in order to avoid mistakes and awkward situations.
I hope the information will definitely be useful to you for living in Turkey!
There are many phrases in Turkish that Turks use in their daily lives that you won't find in a phrasebook. These phrases are good to use if you are coming to Turkey for the first time and want to impress a knowledgeable person. Plus, the Turks will find it quite cute. That's why we've compiled a list of 23 phrases that anyone planning to visit for the first time should know.
But before you start, we want to warn you: if a Turk laughs when you try to speak, don't take it too seriously and don't let it stop you. A foreigner speaking Turkish is a rare and surprising sight for most Turks, so the laughter is most likely a mixture of surprise and admiration.
Phrases in Turkish
1. Hoş geldin (Hosh geldin) - you can constantly hear this phrase in the daily life of the Turks. Literally this means “it’s good that you came,” but the meaning of this expression is actually much deeper. You will hear this phrase if you go to a store, on a visit, and sometimes if you meet someone in a public place.
2. Hoş bulduk is a natural and appropriate response when someone tells you Hoş geldin. This literally translates to “it's good to be here,” but it's really just a polite response to greetings, and you'll find yourself saying it automatically.
3. Afiyet olsun – usually translated as “bon appétit”, but we don’t have an exact equivalent (Turks usually use the French “bon appétit”). This phrase can be used before, during and after meals. It is most appropriate to say it if you yourself have prepared the dishes that you want to treat someone with.
Afiet olsun! Bon appetit! 4. Eline sağlık (Eline saalyk) - literally translated as “health to your hands.” If you are lucky enough to find yourself at a Turkish dinner table and you know who prepared the food (unless it is an employee of the establishment, of course), then you can thank him with this phrase. It can also be used to thank anyone who helps you in any way, but this is a slightly less appropriate situation.
5. Sıhhatler olsun (Syhhatler olsun) - this expression means “health to you” and dates back to Ottoman times. You can say this if someone has just gotten a haircut (this only applies to men, however) or taken a shower.
6. Maşallah (Mashallah) - borrowing from Arabic, where it means: “Oh, this is wonderful!” You can use this exclamation if you see something very beautiful (a building, a child or a girl) or hear good news.
7. Kıyamam (Kyamam) - literally translated as “I will not offend you,” but is not used in its exact meaning. You should use this word if you heard terrible news and are very upset (expresses the feeling: “poor thing!”) or saw something very cute (for example, a kitten or puppy).
This inscription can be seen on almost any car. 8. Aferin (Aferin) - originally translated as “congratulations!” or “well done!”, but you shouldn’t use this word if you’re talking to someone older than you (I was once scolded for this). If someone older tells you good news, it is better to tell him ismaşallah.
9. İnşallah (Inshallah) - literally means "with God's help" and is used to wish someone good luck if you have been told about your plans for the future, or if you are not sure that something will work out, but would like to to make it work. But be careful, because in Turkish it can also mean “What we are talking about is unlikely to happen” or “I will be late and blame it on traffic.”
10. Allah korusun (Allah kyoryusun) - you can see this inscription on the back of vans, buses and cars. The literal translation of this phrase is “God bless you,” and can be used after you have spoken about something terrible (such as an earthquake or illness) to mean, “God, please don’t let such terrible things happen.”
11. Nazardan korusun (Nazardan korusun) - this phrase, which completely sounds like Allah nazardan korusun, means “may God protect you from the evil eye.” Nazar is the "evil eye" and some people from the eastern Mediterranean believe that if you have something good and someone is jealous of you, you will become a victim of Nazar and may lose what you have. Have you seen those blue glass eyes (nazar boncuk) that the Turks hang in bazaars, apartment doors, and above children’s cribs? They are designed to protect against nazar. Similarly, you can use this phrase when something good happens to save yourself from nazar.
12. Başın sağolsun (Bashin saolsun) - this literally translates as “health to your head.” This phrase expresses a natural reaction if you learn that someone has lost a loved one or friend. Basically, you are saying to your interlocutor: “I’m glad you’re alive and I’m sorry for your loss.”
13. Lanet olsun (Lanet olsun) - means approximately “damn it!” You can use this phrase if you are faced with a difficult situation from which you do not see a way out. If you want to address these emotions to a specific person, then add sana at the beginning of this phrase. Although we do not recommend that you use sana lanet olsun in communication.
And no nazar is scary! 14. Hoşça kal (Hoşça kal) - in Turkish there are many ways to say goodbye, and many of them are interchangeable and used mechanically. This phrase literally means “all the best.”
15. Kendine iyi bak (Kendine iyi bak) - another option for farewell, usually translated as “take care of yourself.”
16. Tabii (Tabi) - the equivalent of our “of course”, usually written as tabi. You may hear people repeat tabi twice in everyday speech, or add ki at the end (tabii ki), especially when agreeing with someone.
17. Kolay gelsin (Kolai gelsin) - “may everything work out easily for you.” If you hear that someone is about to start some hard work, or see someone working, it is appropriate to say this phrase. This is also a good way to start a polite dialogue with the official (for example, over the phone or after waiting in line). You will find that any employee will become more sympathetic to you if you start with these words. It's actually a good thing to say when you see someone working hard.
This gesture usually accompanies "Eyvallah" 18. Eyvallah (Eyvallah) - you can often hear this word from mustachioed men gathered over tea. This is a very specific and expressive way to say “thank you.” If you are very grateful for something and are in an informal setting, you can use this word while placing your right hand over your heart.
19. Oha! (Oha) – Even though this is a slang expression, you can hear it everywhere. It simply conveys surprise or shock. Since this is not a very polite word, use it at your discretion. But if you stop using it, your Turkish friends might like it.
20. Çok yaşa – Turkish version of the expression “bless you” after someone sneezes. This expression means "long life to you" and is usually answered with hep beraber (long life to all of us) or sen de gör (long life to you too).
21. Geçmiş olsun (Gecmish olsun) - used when someone is sick or in a difficult situation, and means: “I hope this passes quickly.”
22. Maalesef (Maalesef) - this phrase can be terribly annoying in some situations. Especially if you hear it in a store, bank or restaurant. Formally, it is translated as “I’m sorry.” However, in reality, much more often it means “I can’t help you.” Therefore, if you still hear it, don’t get lost and try asking again. This phrase can also be used to confirm bad news. “Aishe really broke up with Kaan?” - in response to this question, maalesef will mean “unfortunately, yes.” And finally, this phrase can mean that something unfortunately did not happen: “Did you get a promotion? – Maalesef.”
This cat is probably thinking something like "Oha!" 23. Buyrun (Buyrun) - unless you work in, you may never use this expression. But you will definitely hear it when you go to the market. One day, a shop owner in the Eminönü area passionately shouted this phrase over and over again to a foreign couple in an attempt to invite them to his shop. To the man’s disappointment, the couple tried to leave as quickly as possible, although they were clearly nervous and did not buy anything. But in fact, the louder and more diligently a Turk shouts “buyrun,” the more hospitable he tries to look to his customers, no matter how strange it may seem to us, who are not used to shouting to express our friendliness. Therefore, you can also use the word buyurun to express your hospitality if Turks come to visit you. In this case, it will be used to mean “Please, welcome.” Buyrun can also sometimes be used to give someone permission to speak or when responding to a boss, but using the phrase in this sense is less common.
As for expressions that are best avoided, or at least used with caution, sıkıldım ("I'm bored") is high on the list. When you say or write this phrase, be sure to use “i” without a period (‘ı’), because the “i” in this case gives the word a completely different, much cruder meaning.
The last tip concerns reaching out to people. If you meet someone older than you, add the word abi (elder brother) for a man or abla (elder sister) for a woman as a sign of respect. If they are older people, you can replace these words with amca (uncle) and teyze (auntie), respectively. But if in such a situation you call someone by just their name, it will seem rude.
Write in the comments what other phrases in Turkish you would like to know or translate, we will add to the list.
It's about reaching out to strangers. There are a great many such addresses in Turkey; they are used both in formal and informal settings.
At work, at a business meeting, when addressing clients, when meeting for the first time, they are addressed as “you” and, if the name is not yet known, they say beyefendi (bey effendi) and hanımefendi (khanum effendi).These addresses are analogous to the European addresses master, mister, monsieur, signor, sir.
If the person's name is known, but the situation is still official, then they say the name, and then bey (bey) or hanım (hanim). For example, Erhan Bey, Sherif Hanim.
The addresses bey and khanum were used back in the Ottoman Empire, later Ataturk decided to abolish them and introduced new addresses: bay (bai) and bayan (bayan), but the reform was not successful and they did not take root. Sometimes you can hear the bayan being used, but it is extremely rare.
In addition, there is the address efendim (effendim), this can be said to both a woman and a man, and this word is often added at the end of a sentence and thus shows respect for the interlocutor.
It is customary to use “you” to address teachers, doctors, doctors of science, and religious figures. At the same time, before the name they say hocam - my teacher, my mentor(hojam). You can also say doctor bey (doctor bey), şöför bey (driver bey).
In all other cases, strangers are addressed on a first-name basis and in the same words as relatives or friends.
If you are doing repairs, then the workers are contacted - usta -master(mouth). This also applies to masters in any other profession, for example, a cook, an electrician.
And, if you are sitting in a restaurant, waiting for an order and in a hurry, then some people say to the waiter: koçum is my sheep ( kocüm), aslanım -my lion(aslanam), Come quickly.
If the interlocutors are the same age, then they say - arkadaşım - My friend (arkadashy).
When a person is a little younger you can say - kardeşim - my brother (carding).
When a person is a little older, they say - abi - Older brother (abi) or abla- elder sister (abla). This is perhaps the most common appeal.
When addressing people who are much older, they say: amca - uncle (amja) or teyze -aunt(teise), or anne -Mother (Anna), baba -dad(woman).
When addressing very elderly people, they say: dede - grandfather (grandfather) and nine -grandmother (Nina).
Children can also be approached in different ways.
For example, there is a humorous appeal to little children: küçük bey (küçük bey) and küçük hanım (küçük hanım) - little master and little lady.
Other messages to children:
kızım - my daughter(kyzym),
oğlum -my son (oulum),
evladım -My child (evlyadim),
çocucğum -My child (chojuum).
You can contact teenagers: delikanlı (delikanly), genç (gench) (young man).
In addition, a very popular address is canım - my soul (janim). It is used very often, regardless of gender and age.
Last week the hairdresser asked me: “Aşkım nasılsın?” (My love, how are you?)...))) I was very impressed...))) And a neighbor in Istanbul addressed me as birtanem - my only one...))) Apparently, hinting that other foreigners in no home...)))
In general, in Turkey everyone is each other’s brothers, friends and almost relatives and the relationship is good...))) People are ready to help, support, advise...
Many of us have heard the word "effendi". We hardly know what this expression means. Meanwhile, this term is of foreign origin; several centuries ago it meant belonging to a high military rank. Moreover, this was the name given to people representing a high social class.
What kind of rank was this and what is the country of origin of the expression? Let's try to understand this issue.
Interpretation of the expression
Philologists argue about which language is the creator of this word. There are versions that this word is ancient Persian. There are hypotheses that this is an ancient Arabic word. There is an idea that this expression refers to the Proto-Turkish language. In any case, it is clear: this term is of Eastern origin and means “lord or master.”
Who is called effendi, what does it mean?
This is how in the 15th century in the countries of the East they called rich military leaders, spiritual leaders, rulers, members of the Sultan’s family, etc. This was a kind of expression of respect for a high-ranking person. Usually this word itself was placed immediately after the name, for example, Akhmat-effendi.
Meaning of the expression in the Ottoman Empire
In the Ottoman Empire, this expression gradually began to acquire national features. Who was called effendi in Turkey, what does this word mean since the 17th century?
So, in Turkey, officers, as well as anyone who was literate, could be called this title. Moreover, this could be addressed to both men and women (however, it should be remembered that this expression could be used to refer to women occupying a high social status).
Literacy itself was considered as a great virtue that a person possessed, which is why he could call himself effendi, which means “literate person.” This can be learned from ancient Turkish manuscripts.
Modern interpretation of this term
Over the past hundred years, life in Turkey has changed significantly. In this regard, the military rank of “effendi” was abolished back in 1934, but this expression has not lost its meaning.
If we ask ourselves what "effendi" means in Turkish today, we can find out that it is now a form of polite address to strangers. We are talking about a kind of analogue of similar polite forms of address that have developed in other languages, for example, in English - sir, in Polish - pan and pani, in Italian - senor, señora, etc.
There is such an expression in the language of the peoples of the North Caucasus. However, here effendi is an address to a Muslim priest.
Going to an unfamiliar country without first familiarizing yourself with its traditions and customs is the same as going to a foreign monastery with your own rules. Sometimes, due to ignorance of any peculiarities of the country you are visiting, you can find yourself in an awkward situation, or even lead to a conflict.
Turkey, like any other Muslim country, has its own norms and rules of conduct. And failure to comply with them can lead to serious consequences, including not only fines, but also the possible detention of the tourist.
In contact with
Dressing correctly
Standard tourist clothing is a T-shirt and shorts. But it is not possible to appear in Turkish society in such a “uniform” everywhere.
Such attire is appropriate only on the beach or on the embankment in a resort town. The Turks, of course, are accustomed to the influx of tourists and free European morals, but still there is no point in tempting fate once again.
A place where such clothing is not allowed in principle is a religious institution, a mosque. Covered knees and shoulders are required there, and a woman must only be in the mosque with her head covered.
Turkey is a country of numerous mosques, in one there is a huge number of them, as well as,.
When visiting excursions, it is better to dress practically and comfortably - naturally, no stilettos or mini heels. It is better if it is simple cotton clothing (a T-shirt with sleeves or a shirt, breeches). It is best to wear closed sandals or fabric slippers on your feet.
If you are planning an excursion to mountainous areas or to archaeological sites, shoes with hard soles are best. And don’t forget about a hat, otherwise sunstroke or heatstroke under the scorching sun is guaranteed. We recommend taking a tour to,.
While in our country you can calmly ask a question to a stranger, in Turkey such behavior is unacceptable. There is an important point: a woman can only address a Turkish woman, and a man can only address a Turkish man. If everything happens exactly the opposite, awkward situations may arise.
For example, a Turkish man may take a woman’s request for any reason (how to get to some attraction or where the nearest stop is) as flirtation, and then it will be very difficult to prove that this is not really the case. A man also cannot ask a question to a Turkish woman - otherwise it will be regarded as harassment.
Often, especially in a non-resort town or small village, there are quite colorful locals in national clothes, and tourists feel the need to capture this in a photo. Doing this is extremely undesirable - such a manifestation of disrespect (according to the Turks themselves) can even cause aggression. You can get acquainted with the population of Istanbul by clicking on.
This is especially true for women in veils and pregnant women. If you are going to photograph an interesting building or local residents, be sure to ask permission.
You should not address a Turk simply by name, as this may be regarded as an insult or disrespect. It is imperative to add a special prefix to a person’s name: “bey” - master (for example, Khairullah Bey), “khanum” or “khanum” - lady (for example, Khatice Khanum).
When addressing you, Turks may use the prefix “effendi” (or “efendim”), which literally means “my lord.” This is standard treatment from waiters, receptionists, and other service personnel.
By the way, Turks calmly communicate with tourists in English, French and German. At least most of the phrases used by foreign tourists are familiar to them.
And here It is not recommended to speak Turkish, unless, of course, you are fluent in it. Without knowing all the nuances and subtleties of the language (not to mention the correct pronunciation), you can simply look ridiculous. You will find useful information about it on the relevant websites.
By the way, be careful with gestures: everything that has one meaning in our country can have the exact opposite meaning in Turkey. For example, a raised finger, which in our country means approval, is considered an extremely indecent gesture in Turkey.
If a Turk clicks his tongue, it is a sign of a negative attitude or denial, but snapping his fingers is a clear approval.
If we shake our heads, for us it means “no,” but for a Turk it is a sign for “I don’t understand.”
Behavior at a party
It is not customary to refuse an invitation to visit Turkey. The Turks are generally a very hospitable nation, and guests are treated with all honor and respect. Guests are sure to come with a sweet gift, and guests from other countries are not forbidden to take with them any souvenir from their country. For sweets, traditional or.
You must take off your shoes before entering the house., guests are offered special slippers (you can bring your own if you wish). In a Turkish house there is a “guest half” and a “host half”.
It is forbidden to enter the owner's half, and the residents of Turkey themselves do not show their home to guests - it is simply not customary there. The house must remain closed to prying eyes.
It is also not customary to refuse a treat. You should definitely try any dish that the lady of the house offers, even if you don’t feel like it, at least a piece. Otherwise, you can insult the owners of the house. You should only take food from a shared plate or tray with your right hand. All conversations at the table are allowed only with the permission of the head of the family - in Turkey, like ours, it is not customary to have table conversations or talk about business.
The first rule of visiting mosques is a special dress code. Muslims are very strict about appearance. If you plan to visit any mosque, you need to wear something that covers your shoulders and knees - a T-shirt with sleeves, a skirt below the knee, or in extreme cases, breeches below the knee.
A headscarf is required for women. In case the tourist does not have such clothes, at the entrance to the mosque you can take a large scarf as security and throw it over your head, covering your shoulders.
Before entering the mosque, you must take off your shoes. You can leave it right at the doorstep or in a special bag on the shelf at the entrance.
Loud conversations are also not allowed in the mosque. And even more so, you should not point your finger at those praying and take pictures of them during prayer. In some mosques, photography and video shooting are generally prohibited (there are warning signs). And it is extremely undesirable to combine the time of visiting the mosque with the time of prayers - foreign tourists may not be allowed into the mosque at this time.
The fact is that during Ramadan all mosques are closed to tourists, and almost all the staff of restaurants, hotels and other entertainment establishments go home. During Ramadan, Turks observe a very strict fast.
Although the Turkish authorities assure that there are no problems with drinking water in the country, but still It’s better to play it safe and buy bottled drinking water in supermarkets. If you receive an invitation to a restaurant from a resident of Turkey, then know that the inviter usually pays.
Joint payment of a check in a restaurant in Turkey is not accepted in principle. You can, of course, offer to participate in the payment, but you will receive a firm, polite refusal.
There are many unfamiliar dishes in restaurants that you really want to try. But the body may not react completely normally to something unfamiliar, so when going on a trip, be sure to take with you some medications that will help with allergic reactions or food poisoning (antihistamines, adsorbents).
In all restaurants and cafes it is customary to leave a tip. The tip size, as in European countries, is standard - 5% of the total order amount. But if you want to thank the waiter for the excellent and polite service, you can leave the amount a little more than the required amount, this is not forbidden.
Eastern trade is, first of all, bargaining. Bargaining in Turkey is not only possible, but also necessary.
Turks always quote prices for goods to tourists that are twice or even three times higher than the actual cost. And only after a fair amount of haggling can you get closer to the original cost of the product without overpaying several times over.
It should be noted that if you want to purchase a real product, and not its cheap analogue, then it is better to make a purchase in a store, and not on.
— the opportunity to purchase exclusive goods at a price without state duty.
The Karain Cave contains many still unsolved mysteries. Maybe you will be the next one to try to unravel its secrets? Click and find out detailed information.
Sometimes some little thing can really spoil the whole vacation and blur the impressions of visiting Turkey. So it’s better to take an interest in the customs and traditions of the country in advance. By following these simple rules, you can get only positive emotions from your trip to Turkey.