Basic Words

1. Hawa

   Yes

   Usage

   The shortest affirmative reply; use it to confirm anything

2. Ýok

   No

   Usage

   The basic negative reply; also works to decline an offer

   Grammar Note

   "Ýok" also means "there is none": place it after a noun, as in "Suw ýok" (there is no water).

3. Haýyş edýärin

   Please

   Usage

   Add it to any request or order; it also stands alone

   Grammar Note

   Literally "I request"; the short form "haýyş" alone is also common.

4. Sag boluň

   Thank you

   Usage

   Use it everywhere: after paying, after getting directions

   Grammar Note

   Literally "be healthy"; "-uň" is the polite plural imperative. To a friend say "Sag bol".

5. Bagyşlaň

   Excuse me

   Usage

   The opening word when you need a stranger's attention

   Grammar Note

   Polite imperative of "bagyşla-" (to forgive); the final "-ň" marks politeness to strangers.

6. Ötünç soraýaryn

   Sorry

   Usage

   An apology after bumping into someone or making a mistake

   Grammar Note

   Literally "I ask forgiveness"; a clearer apology than the attention-getting "Bagyşlaň".

7. Zyýany ýok

   It's OK / I'm fine

   Usage

   Reply to an apology, or politely wave off offered help

   Grammar Note

   Literally "there is no harm"; the set reply to an apology.

8. Düşünemok

   I don't understand

   Usage

   Say it as soon as you lose the thread; people will rephrase

   Grammar Note

   "düşün-" (to understand) plus the negative present "-emok"; the Turkish equivalent is anlamıyorum.

9. Düşündim

   I understand

   Usage

   Confirms you followed an explanation

10. Gutardym

    I'm finished / Done

    Usage

    Tell staff you have finished a meal or a procedure

    Grammar Note

    First-person past. If a thing or an event has ended, say "Gutardy".

11. Garaşyň, haýyş edýärin

    Please wait

    Usage

    Use it when you need the other person to hold on

    Grammar Note

    "garaşyň" is the polite imperative of "garaş-" (to wait); to a friend, "garaş".

12. Bir minut

    Just a moment

    Usage

    A shorter, lighter version for a very brief pause

13. Bir uly adam, haýyş edýärin

    One adult, please

    Usage

    Say it at a ticket window or an entrance gate

    Grammar Note

    "uly adam" is an adult; nouns stay singular after a numeral (bir adam, iki adam).

14. Bronym ýok

    I don't have a reservation

    Usage

    Tell a restaurant or hotel that you are a walk-in

    Grammar Note

    "-ym" is the first-person possessive suffix; possession is stated with "bar" or "ýok".

15. Bronym bar

    I have a reservation

    Usage

    Say it first at reception, then give your name

16. Maňa kömek ediň, haýyş edýärin

    Please help me

    Usage

    For trouble or emergencies; a strong call for help

    Grammar Note

    "maňa" is the dative of "men" (to me); "kömek et-" means to help.

17. Ýene bir gezek, haýyş edýärin

    Once more, please

    Usage

    Ask someone to repeat what you missed

18. Haýal gürläň, haýyş edýärin

    Please speak slowly

    Usage

    When the speech is too fast; people almost always oblige

    Grammar Note

    "haýal" is slow in speed; late in time is "giç", a different word.

19. Men biraz gürleýärin

    I speak a little

    Usage

    Saying it early makes the other person slow down

    Grammar Note

    To name the language say "Men türkmençe biraz gürleýärin".

20. Iňlis dilini bilýärsiňizmi?

    Do you speak English?

    Usage

    Your fallback when you get stuck; ask with the polite pronoun

    Grammar Note

    "-siňiz" is the polite plural and "-mi" the question particle; always use the plural with strangers.

21. Bu

    This

    Usage

    For pointing at something in your hand

22. Ol

    That

    Usage

    For pointing at something near the other person

23. Bu ýerde

    Here

    Usage

    For pointing at a map or a spot

24. Ol ýerde

    There

    Usage

    For pointing at a map or a spot

25. Men

    I

    Usage

    For making clear who you mean

26. Siz

    You

    Usage

    For making clear who you mean

27. Bilelikde

    Together

    Usage

    Shows that you are with someone

28. Köpräk

    More

    Usage

    For asking for a larger amount

29. Azajyk

    Just a little

    Usage

    For asking for a smaller amount

30. Ýarym

    Half

    Usage

    For asking for half the amount

31. Hemmesi

    All

    Usage

    For saying you want the whole lot

32. Ýeterlik

    That's enough

    Usage

    For stopping a refill or an offer

33. Bir adam

    One person

    Usage

    Gives the head count for a table, room, or ticket

34. Iki adam

    Two people

    Usage

    Gives the head count for a table, room, or ticket

35. Üç adam

    Three people

    Usage

    Gives the head count for a table, room, or ticket

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