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How to say ‘hello’ in Turkish

In Turkish

Merhaba

Pronunciation: MER-ha-ba

Capital letters mark the stressed syllable.

Flashcard illustration for Merhaba (hello)
Real life

When you’ll use it

Any hour, any person. When in doubt: merhaba.

From the Day 6 greeting clock in Lale

Greetings Through the Day

Turks greet warmly and often — the bakery, the bus, the neighbor on the stairs. Knowing the right greeting for the right moment instantly makes you belong.

Bus stop · a stranger

You want to greet an elderly stranger waiting beside you.

The natural reply
Merhaba

Merhaba is the safe, warm choice with anyone. Selam stays for friends.

In conversation

Hear it in a real exchange

The Hostel Kitchen. Two travelers, one teapot.

  1. Alex

    Merhaba! Ben Alex. Adın ne?

    Hi! I’m Alex. What’s your name?

  2. Melis

    Merhaba! Benim adım Melis. Memnun oldum!

    Hi! My name is Melis. Nice to meet you!

Keep going

All everyday Turkish phrases

Learn it in Lale

From one phrase to real conversations

In Lale, Merhaba is part of a full lesson with listening, speaking and review. Free to start.

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