how to say you're welcome in turkish

2 min read 10-01-2025

Saying "you're welcome" is a fundamental aspect of polite conversation in any language. In Turkish, there isn't one single direct equivalent to the English "you're welcome," as the appropriate response depends on the context. This guide will explore the various ways to express gratitude and acknowledge a thank you in Turkish, ensuring you're always prepared for any situation.

Different Ways to Say "You're Welcome" in Turkish

The best way to respond to "teşekkür ederim" (thank you) depends on the situation. Here are a few options:

1. Rica ederim (ree-jah eh-deh-rim): The Most Common Response

This is the most common and versatile way to say "you're welcome" in Turkish. It literally translates to "I beg your pardon" or "at your service," but it's functionally equivalent to "you're welcome" in most contexts. It's polite, appropriate for almost any situation, and easily understood.

Example:
- Person A: Teşekkür ederim. (Thank you.)
- Person B: Rica ederim. (You're welcome.)

2. Bir şey değil (bir shey day-il): "It's nothing"

This phrase translates to "it's nothing" or "it was nothing." It's a more casual way to respond to a thank you, suitable for informal settings with friends and family. It suggests that the act of helping wasn't a significant effort.

Example:
- Person A: Teşekkür ederim, çok yardımcı oldun! (Thank you, you were very helpful!)
- Person B: Bir şey değil. (It's nothing.)

3. Önemli değil (eh-nem-lee day-il): "It's not important"

Similar to "bir şey değil," this phrase means "it's not important." It's another casual way to acknowledge a thank you, implying that the favor was insignificant.

Example:
- Person A: Teşekkürler. (Thanks.)
- Person B: Önemli değil. (It's not important.)

4. Affedersin (af-feh-der-sin): "Excuse me" (in the context of a favour)

While literally meaning "excuse me," affedersin can be used in situations where you're apologizing for any inconvenience caused while helping someone, even if it was a small act. This shows humility and politeness. It's less common than "rica ederim" but appropriate in certain situations.

Example (Illustrative, might sound slightly formal):
- Person A: Çok teşekkür ederim, bu büyük bir yardım oldu! (Thank you very much, this was a great help!)
- Person B: Affedersin. (Excuse me/You're welcome)

Choosing the Right Response

The best way to respond to "thank you" in Turkish depends largely on your relationship with the person you're speaking to and the context of the situation.

Formal situations: rica ederim is always a safe and polite choice.
Informal situations with close friends and family: bir şey değil or önemli değil are perfectly acceptable.
Situations where you feel you may have inconvenienced the other person: affedersin can be a thoughtful response.

Beyond the Basics: Expressing Gratitude in Turkish

While these phrases cover the most common ways to respond to "thank you," understanding other ways to express gratitude enhances your communication skills in Turkish. Learning phrases like:

Sağ ol (sah ohl): Thanks (informal, literally "be well")
Çok teşekkür ederim (chok teshek-kur eh-deh-rim): Thank you very much

Will greatly enhance your conversations and display your appreciation for the Turkish language and culture.

Mastering these nuances will allow you to navigate social interactions smoothly and authentically. Practice using these phrases in various contexts to build confidence and fluency in your Turkish language skills.