What is a common mistake with “Hoş geldiniz”?

✗ Hoş geldiniz (after "thank you") → ✓ Rica ederim: Hoş geldiniz is only for arriving.

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How to say “Welcome” in Turkish

Q: How is “Hoş geldiniz” used in a conversation?

Ev sahibi: Hoş geldiniz, buyurun içeri! (Welcome, please come in!) Misafir: Hoş bulduk! (Glad to be here!)

Hoş geldiniz!

hohsh gehl·dee·neez

Listen

Meaning: Welcome!
Pronunciation: hohsh gehl·dee·neez

What “Hoş geldiniz” really means

Hoş geldiniz means "Welcome!". You hear it at homes, hotels, shops and restaurants. Hoş geldin is the informal version for one friend. It is a ritual phrase with a fixed answer: the guest says "Hoş bulduk".

💬 Example dialogues

Ev sahibiHoş geldiniz, buyurun içeri!Welcome, please come in!

MisafirHoş bulduk!Glad to be here!

ResepsiyonHoş geldiniz, rezervasyonunuz var mı?Welcome, do you have a reservation?

AnnaEvet, Anna Smith adına.Yes, under Anna Smith.

🚫 When NOT to use it

It is not used for "you're welcome" after thank you; that is "Rica ederim". Do not say it to someone who is leaving.

🇹🇷 Culture note

Turks also say Hoş geldin to someone coming back from military service, a trip or the hospital. Even a baby gets "Hoş geldin bebek!" when born.

⚠️ Common mistakes

✗ Hoş geldiniz (after "thank you") → ✓ Rica ederimHoş geldiniz is only for arriving.

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

Ş ş like sh in “shoe”
İ i like ee in “see”