başsağlığı
/ˈbɑʃsɑːɫɯ.ɯ/
The English word 'condolences' is translated into Turkish as başsağlığı.
başsağlığı is the standard term used when expressing sympathy following a death. In Turkish, you do not simply 'say' condolences. Instead, you use the verb dilemek (to wish or desire) to form the phrase başsağlığı dilemek, which means 'to offer condolences'.
Meaning: funeral expression (intj)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is a compound of baş (head) and sağlığı (health/well-being), literally meaning 'head-health'.
Which one should you use?
While başsağlığı is the common term for the expression of sympathy, taziye refers more to the formal process of mourning or the act of visiting the bereaved.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 2 syllables: /ˈbɑʃsɑːɫɯ.ɯ/. The first syllable is stressed. The sound /b/ is like the [b] in 'about', /ʃ/ is like the [sh] in 'shoe', /s/ is like the [s] in 'send' and /ɯ/ is somewhat like the [o] in 'ribbon'.
When do people say it?
When someone offers you başsağlığı, a common and appropriate response is Sağ ol, which literally means 'be healthy/well'.
Did you know?
- In very traditional settings, başsağlığı is often accompanied by the sharing of a specific meal or coffee with the bereaved, as the verbal expression is seen as part of a larger communal support system.
- The word taziye is a loanword from Arabic, whereas başsağlığı is a purely Turkic construction. Using the latter often feels more organic and heartfelt in daily conversation.
- The root baş in başsağlığı refers to the 'head', which in Turkish culture often symbolizes the entire person or the leader of a household. Wishing 'head-health' is a way of wishing stability and strength to the survivors.
Examples in context
- Lütfen başsağlığı dileklerimi kabul edin.Please receive my condolences.This sentence is useful for learning how to say 'Please receive my condolences' using başsağlığı.Tatoeba #4917308 by duran, translation #4030772 by Joseph
- Sami, Leyla'yı aradı ve başsağlığı diledi.Sami called Layla and expressed his condolences.This sentence shows how to say someone 'expressed his condolences' using başsağlığı.Tatoeba #6802478 by deyta, translation #6691120 by OsoHombre
- Size ve mürettebatınıza başsağlığı diliyorum.My condolences to you and your crew.This sentence is useful for expressing condolences to a group, such as a crew, using başsağlığı.Tatoeba #5360087 by deyta, translation #3729271 by CM
- Ahmet Bey'in vefatını duyduğuma üzüldüm. Allah rahmet eylesin. Size ve ailesine sabırlar diliyorum.I'm sorry to hear about the death of Mr. Ahmet. May God have mercy on him. I wish you and your family strength.
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Burak meets Elif after her grandmother's funeral.
- BurakBaşsağlığı dilerim, Elif. Çok üzgünüm.I offer my condolences, Elif. I am very sorry.
- ElifSağ ol, Burak. Desteğin için teşekkürler.Thank you, Burak. Thanks for your support.
- BurakAilene de başsağlığı ilet lütfen.Please convey my condolences to your family as well.
- ElifTamam, iletirim. Çok naziksin.Okay, I will. You are very kind.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry başsağlığı, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
