Ways to say it
| Turkish | Note |
|---|---|
| nasılsın? | informal |
| nasılsınız? | formal |
This phrase is used as a greeting to ask about someone's well-being. A common way to respond to this question is İyiyim, which means "I am fine".
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is built from the word nasıl, which means "how", combined with a suffix. The suffix -sın means "you are" in the singular or informal second person. The suffix -sınız means "you are" in the plural or formal second person.
Which one should you use?
The choice between the two forms depends on who you are addressing. Use nasılsın? when speaking to a single person you know well or someone younger than you. Use nasılsınız? when speaking to one person formally, such as a boss or a stranger or when addressing a group of people.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
nasılsın? is the informal version. nasılsınız? is a polite and common way to ask how someone is. For even greater respect, you can use a more formal version: nasılsınız efendim/efendiler?
How does it change in a sentence?
The grammar is determined by the suffix attached to nasıl. Use the second-person singular suffix -sın for informal singular address and the second-person plural or formal suffix -sınız for formal or group address.
Did you know?
- In very casual settings, the phrase Ne haber? can be shortened even further to Naber?, which is the most common way for young people and friends to say 'how are you'.
- When using the formal nasılsınız?, a Turkish speaker might accompany the phrase with a slight nod of the head or a hand placed over the heart to show deep respect.
- When a Turkish person answers your question, they often include a religious expression like şükür, meaning 'thanks to God', even in secular or casual conversations.
Examples in context
- Sen ve Tom nasılsınız?How are you and Tom?This sentence demonstrates how to use the formal nasılsınız? when addressing multiple people.Tatoeba #12070226 by deyta, translation #12069709 by CK
- İyiyim, peki sen nasılsın?I'm fine. And how are you?This sentence shows how to respond to a greeting and then ask the informal nasılsın? in return.Tatoeba #3368426 by deyta, translation #3249270 by nava
- Uzun zaman oldu. Nasılsın?It's been a while. How are you?This sentence shows using the informal nasılsın? after a period of time has passed.Tatoeba #4803384 by deyta, translation #1736442 by Sibelius
- Nasılsın bugün?How are you today?
- 75 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Selin and Can meet at a local cafe.
- SelinSelam Can, nasılsın?Hi Can, how are you?
- Canİyiyim, teşekkürler. Sen nasılsın?I am fine, thanks. How are you?
- SelinBen de iyiyim.I am fine too.
- CanHarika, görüşmeyeli çok oldu.Great, it has been a long time since we met.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “how are you” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
