What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of iyi, meaning "good" and akşamlar, which is the plural form of akşam, meaning "evening".
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
iyi akşamlar is a standard polite way to address both strangers and acquaintances. For more formal or poetic situations, you might use Akşamınız hayırlı olsun (May your evening be good and blessed) or Akşamınız nurlu geçsin (May your evening be filled with light). For informal settings, you can use Keyifli akşamlar (Enjoyable evenings) or Akşamın güzel geçsin.
How does it change in a sentence?
In this fixed expression, the plural suffix -lar is used even if you are only addressing a single person.
How do you pronounce it?
The phrase consists of 3 syllables, with the stress on the 3rd syllable. The sounds are: /iː/ as in cr[ee]k, /k/ as in [c]ore, /ʃ/ as in [sh]oe, /m/ as in [m]uch and /ɾ/ as in AmE a[t]om.
Did you know?
- The word iyi is derived from a Proto-Turkic root meaning 'thing' or 'goods', suggesting that being 'good' was originally linked to being 'useful'.
- Although iyi akşamlar is used as a farewell, it is common in Turkish culture to respond to it with the exact same phrase, iyi akşamlar, creating a symmetrical exchange.
- The word iyi is a cognate of the Mongolian word ed, meaning 'property' or 'item', reflecting an ancient linguistic connection between the two language families.
Examples in context
- Akşam yemeğiniz güzel olsun. İyi akşamlar dilerim.May your dinner be delicious. I wish you a good evening.
- İyi akşamlar! Akşam yemeği için nereye gidiyoruz?Good evening! Where are we going for dinner?
- Akşamınız huzur dolu olsun. Akşamınız hayırlı olsun.May your evening be peaceful. May your evening be good and blessed.
- Hoşça kal! Akşamınız nurlu geçsin.Goodbye! May your evening be filled with light.
- Size de iyi akşamlar.A good evening to you too.
- İyi akşamlar, görüşmek üzere!Have a good evening, see you later!
- Efendim, size iyi akşamlar dilerim.Sir, I wish you a good evening.
Example conversation
Emre and Selin are leaving a cafe at dusk.
- Emreİyi akşamlar Selin, eve gitme vaktin geldi.Have a good evening Selin, it is time for you to go home.
- SelinTeşekkürler Emre, sana da iyi akşamlar.Thanks Emre, a good evening to you too.
- EmreYarın okulda görüşürüz.See you at school tomorrow.
- SelinTamam, hoşça kal.Okay, goodbye.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry iyi akşamlar, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries iyi, CC BY-SA 4.0.
