How to Say “My Condolences” in Turkish
The usual way to say “My condolences” in Turkish is Başınız sağ olsun. It is neutral: safe in almost any situation. Below are 4 alternatives (informal), how to reply, an example dialogue and the grammar behind it.
In Turkish
Başınız sağ olsun
- Literally
- “may your head be healthy”
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- Neutralsafe in almost any situation
How Başınız sağ olsun is built
- baş-ınızyour head (polite)
- sağhealthy, alive
- olsunmay it be
Other ways to say “My condolences”
- Başın sağ olsunInformal
“my condolences (informal)”
To friends.
- Allah rahmet eylesinNeutral
“may God have mercy on them”
About the person who died.
- Mekânı cennet olsunNeutral
“may their place be paradise”
Religious wish for the deceased.
- Çok üzüldümNeutral
“I’m very sorry”
Simple, sincere sympathy.
How to reply
Dostlar sağ olsun.
May friends be well (thank you).
Sağ olun.
Thank you.
Example dialogue
- A
Babanızın vefatını duydum. Başınız sağ olsun.
I heard about your father’s passing. My condolences.
- B
Dostlar sağ olsun, teşekkür ederim.
Thank you, I appreciate it.
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Go deeper
“My condolences” in Turkish: FAQ
How do you say “My condolences” in Turkish?
The most common way is Başınız sağ olsun (literally “may your head be healthy”), which is neutral: safe in almost any situation. You will also hear Başın sağ olsun (“my condolences (informal)”): to friends.
How do you reply to Başınız sağ olsun?
Typical replies are Dostlar sağ olsun. (“May friends be well (thank you).”) and Sağ olun. (“Thank you.”).
What does each part of Başınız sağ olsun mean?
baş-ınız = your head (polite); sağ = healthy, alive; olsun = may it be. Başınız sağ olsun is the standard condolence for everyone, and the fixed reply is dostlar sağ olsun.
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