When visiting a foreign country, most people want to know how to say a few basic things:

Hello.
How much does this cost?
Where is the bathroom?
I’ll drink water.
Help! I’ve run out of hand sanitizer and masks! Where can I get more?

That last one was probably not in anyone’s mind before COVID, but not a bad idea to learn in this day and age! Regardless, this post will not teach you those things. (For some worthwhile basics in the Turkish language, visit one of the resources listed at the bottom of this page.) The purpose of this article is to highlight one aspect of language that many times gets overlooked:

Blessing.

In any language, we know that the words we say matter. They carry weight and affect the people to whom we direct them. As a foreigner, especially one coming for a short vacation, we can choose to learn a few words to make us functional. But what if we took it a step further and learned what words might offer blessing to those we interact with?

The Turkish language is inherently filled with blessings. Greetings and farewells often contain well wishes for one’s health or work. Various phrases offer kindness to the hearer — whether they are the waiter at your restaurant, the local grocer or the concierge at your hotel.

Kolay gelsin! (koh-lie gel-sin) || “May it go well” or “May your work be easy.”
This can be said as a greeting or farewell to someone who is working in a physical capacity (sweeping a floor) or formal role (a cashier waiting behind the counter).

Ellerinize sağlık! (el-ler-ee-nee-zeh sah-luk) || “Health to your hands” or “May your hands be blessed.”
This is a kind expression to say to someone who makes you a meal or to a craftsman who has done a good job creating.

Çok yaşa. (choke yah-shah) || “Bless you” or “May you have long life.”
This is the common response when someone sneezes.

Geçmiş olsun. (Gech-meesh ohl-soon) || “May it pass” or “Get well soon.”
This is said in response to a number of physical maladies. If someone is experiencing any manner of discomfort, this can be said for a kind wish that their suffering won’t be prolonged.

When you come to our fantastic host-country (and don’t forget a stop in Bursa!), be sure to bring blessings along with you to leave behind with those that you meet along the way.

To learn some of the more common phrases in basic Turkish, consider one of these resources:

• Duolingo
• Turkish Class 101
• Pimsleur Audio
• Rosetta Stone
• Language Animated Youtube Playlist:  
• Turkish Class 101 Youtube Playlist: