In recent years, the number of foreigners learning Turkish has been growing rapidly. Students, workers, travellers and people interested in different cultures who come to Turkey place great importance on learning Turkish.
Thanks to the internet in particular, online Turkish language learning has become much more accessible. People from all over the world can now take Turkish lessons, watch Turkish TV series, listen to Turkish music and practise their Turkish.
During this process, many foreigners discover not only the grammar rules but also the feel and melody of the Turkish language. Certain Turkish words, in particular, capture the attention of foreigners. This is because these words not only sound pleasant to the ear but also carry deep meanings.
The Emotional Side of Learning Turkish
One of the words foreigners love most in Turkish is ‘huzur’. Many people realise that this word does not simply mean ‘silence’. Huzur describes the sense of calm one feels within oneself.
Students learning Turkish, in particular, find the pronunciation of this word soft and evocative. During the process of learning Turkish, people sometimes struggle, trying to memorise new words and encountering different grammar rules. However, words like “huzur” help them understand the emotional side of the Turkish language.
Everyday Words and Cultural Expressions
Another popular word is ‘çay’. As tea plays a major role in social life in Turkey, foreigners pick up this word very early on. Someone learning Turkish usually learns the phrase “Can I have a cup of tea?” within the first few weeks.
This is because tea is at the heart of Turkish culture. People drink tea constantly in various daily situations:
Meeting friends
Visiting family
At work
Consequently, “çay” is one of the words foreigners use most frequently when practising Turkish.
Another word that foreigners love in Turkish is “aşk” (love). Thanks to Turkish TV series and songs, this word is known in many parts of the world. Students taking online Turkish lessons, in particular, quickly pick up words through the emotional dialogue in Turkish series, such as:
“aşk” (love)
“özlemek” (to miss)
“kalp” (heart)
“sevgi” (love)
Many students who believe Turkish has a romantic tone improve their Turkish practice by listening to love-themed songs.
Key Phrases Encountered When Learning Turkish
One of the key phrases that catches the attention of foreigners learning Turkish is “kolay gelsin”. This is because there is no exact equivalent of this phrase in many languages.
In Turkey, when people say “kolay gelsin” to someone at work, they are actually conveying their best wishes. Foreigners find this cultural detail particularly charming.
Whilst learning Turkish, students learn not only the vocabulary but also the everyday behaviours of Turkish people. Particularly in online Turkish language courses, teachers explain such expressions to help students use the language more naturally.
Expressions of Courtesy and Nature
The phrase “Ellerine sağlık” is another expression much loved by foreigners. This is because it acknowledges not just the meal prepared, but also the effort put into it. Expressions of courtesy in Turkish culture encourage foreigners to take a greater interest in the Turkish language.
Many students try to use these expressions whilst practising Turkish and receive positive feedback from their Turkish friends.
Some foreigners, however, find nature-related words in Turkish particularly evocative. For example, the following words sound poetic to the ear:
“yağmur” (rain)
“deniz” (sea)
“gökyüzü” (sky)
“rüzgar” (wind)
Students learning Turkish often begin to take an interest in Turkish poetry and song lyrics. This is because nature-related words in Turkish carry an emotional tone.
In particular, during online Turkish lessons, teachers sometimes use songs and short poems. This method not only helps students expand their vocabulary but also aids them in understanding the rhythm of the Turkish language.
Pronunciation and Practice in Learning Turkish
Pronunciation is also a key aspect of the process of learning Turkish. Foreigners find the letters ‘ş’, ‘ç’, ‘ğ’ and ‘ı’ particularly interesting. At first, these sounds can be difficult to pronounce.
However, students who practise Turkish regularly get used to these letters over time. Thanks in particular to online Turkish conversation clubs, students find more opportunities to speak. Although many foreigners are initially afraid of making mistakes when speaking Turkish, they feel more at ease over time.
One of the things foreigners appreciate most when learning Turkish is the helpful nature of Turkish people. Many students who come to Turkey say that people support their efforts to speak Turkish.
When a foreigner tries to speak Turkish in a shop or café, people usually listen patiently and offer help. This boosts students’ motivation. Because one of the most important aspects of language learning is self-confidence.
The Role of Media in Language Learning
Social media, in particular, has significantly transformed the process of learning Turkish online. In the past, people used to study solely from books. Now, however, learning Turkish has become easier thanks to:
YouTube videos
Podcasts
Conversation apps
Live lessons
Many foreigners follow Turkish content on Instagram and TikTok. Through short daily videos, people learn new words and practise their Turkish. Furthermore, some students improve their writing skills by keeping a diary in Turkish or writing comments in Turkish.
Turkish TV series also play a major role in the process of learning Turkish. Romantic and historical series, in particular, attract the interest of foreigners. Thanks to these series, people not only learn new words but also get to know Turkish culture.
Basic phrases such as “Merhaba”, “nasılsın” and “teşekkür ederim” are learnt by most students through these series. Students then build on this knowledge by taking online Turkish lessons.
The Logical Structure and Cultural Gateway
Foreign students sometimes say that Turkish is a logical language. This is because words in Turkish change in a regular pattern with suffixes. Although long words may seem complex at first, the system becomes understandable over time.
Students who are patient during the Turkish learning process generally make rapid progress. Regular Turkish practice becomes very important here. Because the most effective way to learn a language is to use it actively.
For many foreigners, Turkish is not merely a new language, but also a gateway to a new world. The desire to learn Turkish is fueled by various cultural elements:
Turkish cuisine
Traditional and modern music
Popular TV series
Vibrant cities and friendly people
In particular, words such as “samimiyet” (sincerity), “misafirperverlik” (hospitality) and “dostluk” (friendship) capture students’ interest as they reflect Turkish culture. These words do not merely convey a dictionary definition; they also describe a way of life.
In conclusion, the words that foreigners love in Turkish are not merely those that sound pleasant to the ear. These words also reflect Turkish culture, emotions and everyday life.
People learning Turkish are getting to know the language more closely through online Turkish lessons, videos, TV series and conversation groups. Students who practise Turkish regularly do not just learn vocabulary over time; they also begin to think in Turkish.
This is why Turkish is seen by many foreigners as a language that is difficult to learn, yet at the same time very beautiful and impressive.
