The Turkish language is rich with religious expressions and prayers used in almost every aspect of daily life. These phrases reflect the culture of kindness, respect, and faith shared among the people.
✨ 1. Good Intentions & Blessings (Dua)
These expressions are used to spread kindness and appreciate others in various situations.
At Work and for Assistance
Turkish Expression | English Meaning / Context |
Kolay gelsin | May it come easy to you (Said to someone working). |
Allah razı olsun | May God be pleased with you (Used to show deep gratitude). |
Allah yardım etsin | May God help you / be with you. |
Eline sağlık | Health to your hands (Said to someone who cooked or made something). |
Health, Well-being, and Daily Life
Turkish Expression | English Meaning / Context |
Geçmiş olsun | Get well soon / May it be in the past (Said to someone sick or in trouble). |
Sıhhatler olsun | Health to you (Said after someone showers or gets a haircut). |
Afiyet olsun | Bon appétit / Enjoy your meal. |
Çok yaşa | Bless you (Said when someone sneezes; literally: "Live long"). |
Sen de gör | May you see it too (The response to "Çok yaşa"; literally: "May you see [good days] too"). |
Farewells, Travel, and Success
Turkish Expression | English Meaning / Context |
Allahaısmarladık | We leave you in God's care (Said by the person leaving). |
Güle güle | Goodbye (Said by the person staying to the person leaving). |
Yolun açık olsun | May your way be open (Have a safe journey). |
Kendine iyi bak | Take good care of yourself (Used at the end of a conversation). |
Başarılar dilerim | I wish you success. |
Congratulations and Patience
Turkish Expression | English Meaning / Context |
Hayırlı olsun | May it be beneficial / Congratulations (on a new job, purchase, etc.). |
Allah sabır versin | May God grant you patience. |
Allah korusun | God forbid / May God protect you. |
Güle güle kullan | Use it with joy (Said to someone who bought something new). |
Condolences (Death)
Turkish Expression | English Meaning / Context |
Başınız sağ olsun | My condolences (Literally: "May your head stay healthy"). |
Allah rahmet eylesin | May God have mercy on them. |
2. Expressions of Anger and Malice (Beddua)
These phrases are used in moments of extreme anger. It is advised to avoid them to maintain polite dialogue, but it is useful to know their meanings:
Turkish Expression | English Meaning / Context |
Allah belanı versin | May God give you your punishment/plague. |
Allah kahretsin | Damn it / May God perish you. |
Lanet olsun | Curse it / Damn it. |
Cehenneme git | Go to hell. |
Defol git | Get lost / Get out of here. |
Gözün kör olsun | May you be blinded (Said in spite). |
Zehir zıkkım olsun | May it be poison to you (Often said regarding stolen or unfair food). |
Using positive supplications (Dua) will open the hearts of Turkish people to you and show your refined character.