Learn Turkish with Fatih
en

Phrase 6 of 500

How to say “How are you” in Turkish

Nasılsın? is the informal "How are you?".

Written by Fatih, Turkish language and literature graduate & linguist

Nasılsın?
nah·suhl·suhn
Listen
Meaning
How are you?
Pronunciation
nah·suhl·suhn

What “Nasılsın” really means

Nasılsın? is the informal "How are you?". The -sın ending means "you" (singular, familiar). Use it with friends, family, children and people your age in relaxed settings. It is a real question: Turks often expect a short answer and ask back.

💬 Example dialogues

ZeynepSelam Emre, nasılsın?Hi Emre, how are you?

Emreİyiyim, sağ ol. Sen nasılsın?I'm fine, thanks. And you?

ZeynepBen de iyiyim.I'm fine too.

TeyzeNasılsın kuzum?How are you, sweetheart?

AliÇok iyiyim teyzeciğim!I'm great, auntie!

🚫 When NOT to use it

With older people, officials, teachers or customers use the polite "Nasılsınız?". Using "Nasılsın?" with your landlord or a doctor can sound too familiar.

🇹🇷 Culture note

People usually answer "İyiyim" even on a bad day, then the real news comes over tea. Asking "Ailen nasıl?" (How is your family?) is a warm follow-up.

⚠️ Common mistakes

  • ✗ Nasıl sen? → ✓ Nasılsın?"You" is an ending on the word, not a separate word.

Letters to watch in this sentence

  • I ı no dot: a relaxed “uh”, like the e in “open”

Related phrases

More phrases in this unit