How to Say “Well Done” in Turkish
The usual way to say “Well done” in Turkish is Aferin! It is informal: for friends, family and people your own age. Below are 4 alternatives (neutral), an example dialogue and the grammar behind it.
In Turkish
Aferin!
- Literally
- “bravo! (from Persian āfarīn)”
- Register
- Informalfor friends, family and people your own age
How Aferin! is built
- aferinwell done; used mainly to children and students
Other ways to say “Well done”
- Bravo!Neutral
“bravo!”
Fine for adults.
- Helal olsun!Informal
“respect!”
Admiring praise among adults.
- Eline sağlıkNeutral
“health to your hand”
For something someone made or cooked.
- Harika iş çıkardınNeutral
“you did a great job”
Specific praise at work.
Example dialogue
- A
Ödevimi bitirdim, anne!
I’ve finished my homework, Mum!
- B
Aferin sana, çok güzel olmuş!
Well done, it looks great!
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Go deeper
“Well done” in Turkish: FAQ
How do you say “Well done” in Turkish?
The most common way is Aferin! (literally “bravo! (from Persian āfarīn)”), which is informal: for friends, family and people your own age. You will also hear Bravo (“bravo!”): fine for adults.
Is Aferin formal or informal?
Aferin is informal, for friends, family and people your own age. For a neutral alternative, use Bravo (“bravo!”).
When do Turks say Aferin?
Aferin is what teachers and parents say to children; said to an adult colleague it can sound patronising. Use bravo, helal olsun or harika iş çıkardın instead.
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