What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of bayram (holiday or festival), -ınız (your, in the plural or polite form), kutlu (blessed or happy) and olsun (let it be).
Which one should you use?
Bayramınız kutlu olsun is the polite or plural form used for strangers, elders or groups. In contrast, if you are speaking to one person you know well, you should use Bayramın kutlu olsun.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is /bajɾamɯnɯz kutlu olsun/. Here is a guide to the sounds: /b/ as in [b]out, /j/ as in [y]es, /ɾ/ as in AmE a[t]om, /m/ as in [m]uch, /ɯ/ somewhat like ribb[o]n, /n/ as in [n]ot, /z/ as in [z]one, /k/ as in [c]ore, /u/ as in c[oo]l and /s/ as in [s]end.
When do people say it?
When someone offers you this greeting, a common and natural response is Size de iyi bayramlar (Happy holidays to you too).
Did you know?
- When saying bayramınız kutlu olsun, it is customary in Turkey to kiss the right hand of an elder and press it to one's own forehead as a sign of respect.
- The word kutlu is derived from kut, an ancient Turkic concept referring to a divine life force or sacred grace bestowed by heaven.
- The word bayram is used for both the religious Eid holidays and the secular 'Republic Day' or 'Victory Day' celebrations in Turkey.
Examples in context
- Bayramınız kutlu olsun.Eid Mubarak.This example shows how to use bayramınız kutlu olsun for an Eid greeting.Tatoeba #4518295 by duran, translation #7959863 by soliloquist
- Bayramınız kutlu olsun, hepimize iyi bayramlar.Eid mubarak to you, happy holidays to us all.
Example conversation
Emre and Merve meet during the holiday.
- EmreMerhaba Merve, bayramınız kutlu olsun.Hello Merve, happy Eid.
- MerveTeşekkürler Emre, sizin de bayramınız kutlu olsun.Thanks Emre, happy Eid to you too.
- EmreAilenizle iyi vakit geçiriyor musunuz?Are you having a good time with your family?
- MerveEvet, çok keyifli geçiyor.Yes, it is going very pleasantly.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Turkish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries kutlu, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
