Ways to say it
| Turkish | IPA |
|---|---|
| günaydın | /ɟy.najˈdɯn/ |
| günaydınlar | /ɟynajdɯnlaɾ/ (from spelling rules) |
| iyi sabahlar | /iji sabahlaɾ/ (from spelling rules) |
| hayırlı sabahlar | /hajɯɾlɯ sabahlaɾ/ (from spelling rules) |
You use these expressions when seeing someone for the first time in the morning. günaydın is the most common and standard way to say "good morning" in Turkish. You can also use Herkese günaydın to say "good morning to everyone" when addressing a group of people in a casual setting.
What does it mean word for word?
The word günaydın is a compound of gün (day) and aydın (bright/light/clear).
Which one should you use?
While günaydın is the standard daily expression, iyi sabahlar is a more literal translation and is slightly less common in daily casual speech. günaydınlar is a pluralized version of günaydın used to address a group of people, though it is less common than the singular form.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
hayırlı sabahlar is a more formal or religious way to wish someone a good morning, which is often used by older generations or in more traditional settings.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form günaydınlar is a pluralized version of günaydın used when addressing a group of people.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is /ɟy.najˈdɯn/. It has 3 syllables and the stress is on the 3rd syllable. The sound /ɟ/ is like the 'g' in ar[g]ue, /n/ is like the 'n' in [n]ot, /j/ is like the 'y' in [y]es and /ɯ/ is somewhat like the 'o' in ribb[o]n.
Did you know?
- The phrase günaydın is a relatively modern invention, having been coined only in the 1910s.
- The adjective aydın in günaydın is the same root used in Turkish to describe an 'intellectual' or 'enlightened' person.
- The word sabah in iyi sabahlar comes from Arabic, while gün in günaydın is of Turkic origin.
Examples in context
- Tom bana günaydın dedi.Tom said good morning to me.This sentence shows how to use the form günaydın to report someone speaking.Tatoeba #3983467 by duran, translation #2643541 by CK
- Günaydın. Bugün hava güzel.Good morning. We have good weather today.This sentence uses günaydın as a greeting before making a comment about the weather.Tatoeba #2216012 by neytiri, translation #434814 by lukaszpp
- Günaydın benim güneş ışığım.Good morning my sunshine.This sentence uses günaydın as an affectionate greeting.Tatoeba #5378246 by deyta, translation #5378214 by User72724
- 55 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Mehmet and Zeynep meet in the office kitchen early in the morning.
- MehmetGünaydın, Zeynep.Good morning, Zeynep.
- ZeynepGünaydın, Mehmet. Nasılsın?Good morning, Mehmet. How are you?
- Mehmetİyiyim, teşekkür ederim.I am fine, thank you.
- ZeynepBen de iyiyim.I am fine too.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “good morning” translations and entries günaydın, iyi sabahlar, hayırlı sabahlar, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Turkish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries günaydın, hayırlı, iyi, iyi sabahlar, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
