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Phrase 2 of 500

How to say “Good morning” in Turkish

Günaydın!
gew·nai·duhn
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Meaning
Good morning!
Pronunciation
gew·nai·duhn

What “Günaydın” really means

Günaydın means "good morning" and is used until about 11:00 or noon. It is one word: gün (day) + aydın (bright). You say it to family at breakfast, to colleagues when you arrive and to the baker when you buy your simit.

💬 Example dialogues

SelinGünaydın anne!Good morning, mom!

AnneGünaydın kızım, kahvaltı hazır.Good morning, sweetie, breakfast is ready.

MuratGünaydın, kolay gelsin.Good morning, may your work be easy.

FırıncıGünaydın, buyurun!Good morning, what can I get you?

🚫 When NOT to use it

Do not say Günaydın in the afternoon or evening. After noon switch to "İyi günler" or "Merhaba", in the evening to "İyi akşamlar".

🇹🇷 Culture note

Among friends you will hear the joking reply "Günaydın, uyuyan güzel!" (Good morning, sleeping beauty) when someone wakes up late.

⚠️ Common mistakes

  • ✗ Gün aydın → ✓ GünaydınIt is written as one word.

Culture tip

When you arrive, Turks say Hoş geldiniz! and you answer Hoş bulduk! When you leave, you say Hoşça kal, and the person staying says Güle güle.

Letters to watch in this sentence

  • I ı no dot: a relaxed “uh”, like the e in “open”
  • Ü ü say “ee” with rounded lips (French u)

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