How to Say “Wow” in Turkish
The usual way to say “Wow” in Turkish is Vay canına! It is informal: for friends, family and people your own age. Below are 4 alternatives (colloquial, neutral), an example dialogue and the grammar behind it.
In Turkish
Vay canına!
- Literally
- “oh, to its soul!”
- Register
- Informalfor friends, family and people your own age
How Vay canına! is built
- vaywow, oh
- can-ı-nato its soul (possessive + dative)
Other ways to say “Wow”
- Vay be!Colloquial
“wow!”
Very common, a bit casual.
- Vay!Neutral
“wow!”
Short.
- Harika!Neutral
“wonderful!”
Positive surprise.
- İnanılmaz!Neutral
“incredible!”
Strong amazement.
Example dialogue
- A
Şu manzaraya bak!
Look at this view!
- B
Vay canına, inanılmaz!
Wow, it’s incredible!
Related phrases
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Go deeper
“Wow” in Turkish: FAQ
How do you say “Wow” in Turkish?
The most common way is Vay canına! (literally “oh, to its soul!”), which is informal: for friends, family and people your own age. You will also hear Vay be (“wow!”): very common, a bit casual.
Is Vay canına formal or informal?
Vay canına is informal, for friends, family and people your own age. For a colloquial alternative, use Vay be (“wow!”).
What does each part of Vay canına mean?
vay = wow, oh; can-ı-na = to its soul (possessive + dative). Vay canına expresses amazement, good or bad.
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