lütfen
/ˈlyt.fɛn/
The English word "please" is translated into Turkish as lütfen. Wiktionary also lists zahmet olmazsa.
Meaning: interjection to make a polite request (intj)
Ways to say it
| Turkish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| lütfen | /ˈlyt.fɛn/ | |
| zahmet olmazsa | /zahmet olmazsa/ (from spelling rules) | formal |
Lütfen is the most common and general way to say "please" in Turkish. It is used as an interjection to make a polite request.
What does it mean word for word?
The formal phrase zahmet olmazsa literally means "if it is not a bother/trouble".
Which one should you use?
Lütfen is the standard, direct way to say "please", whereas zahmet olmazsa is a more indirect and polite way to frame a request.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The phrase zahmet olmazsa is a formal way to express a request.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation of lütfen is /ˈlyt.fɛn/. It has 2 syllables, with the stress on the 1st syllable. The /f/ sound is like the [f] in "food" and the /n/ sound is like the [n] in "not".
Did you know?
- In very formal settings, such as writing an official letter, you might replace lütfen with arz ederim, which is a way of 'presenting' a request to a superior.
- The word lütfen shares its roots with the Arabic word for 'kindness' or 'grace', meaning you are literally asking for a 'kindness' rather than just a polite favor.
- In traditional Turkish culture, asking for something with lütfen can sometimes be seen as too formal or distant among close friends and family.
Examples in context
- Lütfen bir içki iç.Please have a drink.This sentence uses lütfen to suggest having a drink.Tatoeba #2067359 by duran, translation #610046 by CM
- Lütfen bir şey yap.Please do something.This sentence uses lütfen to ask someone to do something.Tatoeba #3473501 by deyta, translation #2062888 by CK
- Lütfen bana su ver!Please, give me water!This sentence uses lütfen to request water.Tatoeba #3476267 by deyta, translation #573872 by FeuDRenais2
- Lütfen bana yardım edebilir misiniz?Can you please help me?
- Yazabilir misin, lütfen?Can you please write?
- Bana bir bardak su getirebilir misin, lütfen?Can you please bring me a glass of water?
- Kapıyı açar mısın, bi zahmet?Could you please open the door?
- 5345 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Burak asks Zeynep to pass the salt at the dinner table.
- BurakZeynep, tuzu uzatır mısın lütfen?Zeynep, could you pass the salt, please?
- ZeynepTabii ki, buyur Burak.Of course, here you go, Burak.
- BurakTeşekkür ederim.Thank you.
- ZeynepRica ederim.You're welcome.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “please” translations and entries lütfen, 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 lütfen, olmazsa, zahmet, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
