Introduction
If you’re wondering how to say thank you in Turkish, the quick answer is: the most common phrase is “Teşekkür ederim” (te-she-kür e-de-rim), which literally means “I give you thanks.” You’ll also hear “Teşekkürler” as a shorter form, and even “Sağ ol” in casual settings.
In Turkish culture, saying thank you is not just polite—it’s a sign of respect, warmth, and appreciation. Whether you’re visiting Turkey, talking to Turkish friends, or learning the language, knowing these phrases will make your conversations smoother and friendlier.
This guide will show you all the useful ways to say thank you in Turkish, explain when to use each one, and give you cultural context to help you sound natural.
1. The Standard Way to Say Thank You
The most common and universal way to express gratitude in Turkish is the phrase “Teşekkür ederim”. This expression literally means “I give you thanks”, and it works in almost any situation—from thanking a shopkeeper after buying something to expressing appreciation to a stranger who holds the door open. Because it is both polite and neutral, it’s the safest choice for learners who are unsure which level of formality to use.
| Turkish | Pronunciation | English Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Teşekkür ederim | te-she-kür e-de-rim | Thank you (formal/polite) |
Examples in Context:
- Teşekkür ederim yardımınız için.
(Thank you for your help.) - Teşekkür ederim, çok naziksiniz.
(Thank you, you’re very kind.)
💡 Tip: Turkish culture values warmth and sincerity. A simple “Teşekkür ederim” paired with a friendly smile or slight nod will go a long way in creating a positive impression.
Unlike casual forms such as sağ ol, this version shows respect and is never inappropriate. You’ll hear it everywhere: in daily transactions, at formal events, and in business settings. It’s often the first Turkish phrase learners master, and it lays the foundation for understanding how politeness works in Turkish communication. Once comfortable with this, you can expand to shorter or more informal versions depending on the context.
2. Shorter Everyday Versions
Just like in English where we shorten “thank you” to “thanks,” Turkish has casual versions too.
| Turkish | Pronunciation | English Meaning | Usage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Teşekkürler | te-she-kür-ler | Thanks | Polite but shorter, useful in daily conversations. |
| Sağ ol | sah ol | Thanks / Be healthy | Informal, used with friends or peers. |
| Çok sağ ol | chok sah ol | Thanks a lot | Informal but stronger appreciation. |
Example:
- Sağ ol, çok naziksin.
(Thanks, you’re very kind.)
3. Saying Thank You Very Much
When you really want to emphasize gratitude, you can intensify the phrase.
| Turkish | Pronunciation | English Meaning | Usage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Çok teşekkür ederim | chok te-she-kür e-de-rim | Thank you very much | Stronger form, polite in all contexts. |
| Bin teşekkür | bin te-she-kür | A thousand thanks | Emotional or poetic way of showing big gratitude. |
| Teşekkür ederiz | te-she-kür e-de-riz | We thank you | Used when speaking as a group (e.g., families, teams). |
Example:
- Çok teşekkür ederim hediyen için.
(Thank you very much for your gift.)
4. Regional & Informal Expressions
Turkish people are creative with language, and you may hear regional or casual alternatives.
| Turkish | English Meaning | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Eyvallah | Thanks / Alright | Very casual, mostly male speech, rooted in Islamic tradition. |
| Var olun | May you exist | Older style, polite, less common today. |
| Minnettarım | I am grateful | Formal, expresses deep gratitude. |
| Allah razı olsun | May God be pleased with you | Religious expression, heartfelt thanks. |
Example:
- Allah razı olsun yardım ettiniz.
(May God be pleased with you for helping.)
5. Cultural Insights on Saying Thank You in Turkey
- Body Language Matters — Turks often place a hand on the heart when saying thanks, especially in emotional situations.
- Hospitality Culture — In Turkey, guests are treated with incredible generosity. Saying thank you warmly is expected.
- Don’t Overuse — With close friends or family, too much formality can sound distant. Use casual forms like sağ ol instead.
- Written Thank Yous — On social media or texts, you’ll often see tşk, tsk, or tşkler as short forms of teşekkürler.
6. Thank You in Special Situations
| Situation | Turkish Phrase | English Translation |
|---|---|---|
| When receiving food/drink | Elinize sağlık | Health to your hands (said to cooks/hosts) |
| When offered tea/coffee | Teşekkürler, çok güzel | Thanks, it’s very nice |
| After getting directions | Çok teşekkür ederim, kolay gelsin | Thanks a lot, take it easy |
| After a compliment | Teşekkür ederim, çok naziksiniz | Thank you, you’re very kind |
| In a business setting | Minnettarım işbirliğiniz için | I am grateful for your cooperation |
7. How to Respond to Thank You in Turkish
Saying thank you is only half the story—you should also know how to reply.
| Response | Pronunciation | English Meaning | Usage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rica ederim | ree-ja e-de-rim | You’re welcome | Most common polite reply. |
| Bir şey değil | beer shey de-yil | It’s nothing / No problem | Casual and humble. |
| Ne demek | ne de-mek | Don’t mention it | Friendly, informal. |
| Her zaman | her za-man | Always | Used with friends, warm. |
Example:
- A: Çok teşekkür ederim.
- B: Rica ederim.
(A: Thank you very much. — B: You’re welcome.)
8. Practice Scenarios
At a Restaurant
- Garson: Buyurun, hesabınız.
(Here’s your bill.) - Müşteri: Teşekkür ederim.
(Thank you.)
With Friends
- Arkadaş: Sana kahve aldım.
(I bought you coffee.) - Sen: Sağ ol! Harikasın.
(Thanks! You’re awesome.)
In Business
- Patron: Çalışmanızdan çok memnunuz.
(We’re very happy with your work.) - Çalışan: Minnettarım, teşekkür ederim.
(I’m grateful, thank you.)
9. Tips for Mastering Thank You in Turkish
- Learn both formal and informal versions — so you sound natural with everyone.
- Listen for tone — Turks often stretch the word teşekkürler in a friendly way.
- Practice with natives — Join exchanges, chat online, or use apps like Avatalks to try phrases.
- Use it often — Saying thank you in everyday conversations will quickly make it second nature.
- Notice cultural cues — For example, after meals, saying elinize sağlık shows deep appreciation.
10. Final Thoughts
Learning how to say thank you in Turkish is more than just memorizing words—it’s about understanding Turkish culture, where gratitude is expressed warmly and often. By mastering phrases like teşekkür ederim, sağ ol, and even cultural gems like elinize sağlık, you’ll connect with locals more deeply and show respect for their traditions.
Key takeaway: Start with teşekkür ederim, then learn shorter and more heartfelt variations. Pay attention to the setting—formal, casual, or religious—and choose your phrase accordingly. With practice, you’ll sound polite, confident, and culturally aware.