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Published on January 28, 2026

Essential Azerbaijani Phrases for Your Trip

Embarking on a journey to Azerbaijan promises a unique cultural experience, from the ancient streets of Icherisheher to the futuristic architecture of the Heydar Aliyev Center. While English and Russian are spoken in larger cities, learning a few basic Azerbaijani phrases can significantly enrich your travels, opening doors to warmer interactions and deeper immersion.

Why Learn Azerbaijani?

Azerbaijani, a Turkic language, is the official language of Azerbaijan. While many younger people and those in tourist-heavy areas might speak some English, and Russian is widely understood by older generations, making an effort to speak the local language is always appreciated. It shows respect for the culture and can transform a simple transaction into a memorable exchange. Beyond practicality, it's your key to understanding the rich tapestry of Azerbaijani life, from bustling bazaars to serene mountain villages like Khinalug.

Basic Greetings & Politeness

Starting with a polite greeting can set a positive tone for any interaction. These phrases are your first step toward connecting with locals.

  • Hello:Salam (sah-LAHM)
  • Good morning:Sabahınız xeyir (sah-bah-HUH-nuhz KHEY-eer)
  • Good evening:Axşamınız xeyir (ahkh-shah-MUH-nuhz KHEY-eer)
  • Goodbye:Sağ olun (sahg OH-loon)(formal/plural)/ Sağ ol (sahg OL)(informal/singular)
  • Please:Zəhmət olmasa (zah-MET ol-MAH-sah)
  • Thank you:Təşəkkür edirəm (tah-shah-KOOR eh-DEE-rahm) or Çox sağ olun (chokh sahg OH-loon)(very common, meaning "many thanks")
  • Yes:Bəli (bah-LEE)
  • No:Xeyr (khey-R)
  • Excuse me / Sorry:Bağışlayın (bah-gush-LAH-yuhn)
  • My name is...:Mənim adım... (mah-NIM ah-DUHM...)
  • Nice to meet you:Tanış olduğumuza şadam (tah-neesh ol-doo-goo-MOO-zah shah-DAHM)

Getting Around

Navigating a new place is always easier with a few key phrases. Whether you're looking for the historical grandeur of the Palace of Shirvanshahs or a stroll along the Seaside boulevard, these will come in handy.

  • Where is...? :...haradadır? (...hah-rah-DAH-dur?)
  • Left:Sol (sol)
  • Right:Sağ (sahg)
  • Straight:Düz (dooz)
  • Bus:Avtobus (ahv-TOH-boos)
  • Taxi:Taksi (TAHK-see)
  • Train:Qatar (gah-TAR)
  • Toilet:Tualet (too-ah-LET)
  • How do I get to...? :... necə gedə bilərəm? (...neh-jeh geh-DEH bee-leh-RAM?)

Dining Out

Azerbaijani cuisine is a highlight for many visitors. From fragrant plov to savory kebabs, knowing a few phrases will help you order with confidence and express your appreciation.

  • Menu:Menyu (MEN-yoo)
  • Water:Su (soo)
  • Food:Yemək (yeh-MEK)
  • Bill / Check:Hesab (heh-SAHB)
  • Delicious:Ləzzətli (lahz-ZET-lee)
  • I am hungry:Acam (AH-jam)
  • I am thirsty:Susuzam (soo-SOO-zam)
  • Vegetarian?:Vegetarian yeməkləriniz var? (veh-jeh-tah-RYAN yeh-mek-lah-ree-niz vahr?)

Cultural Tip:Azerbaijani hospitality is legendary! Don't be surprised if locals invite you for tea (çay) or offer you food. It's a sign of warmth and friendship, and accepting is a great way to experience local culture firsthand.

Shopping & Bargaining

Whether you're exploring local markets or buying souvenirs, these phrases will be useful.

  • How much does it cost?:Neçəyədir? (neh-CHEH-yeh-deer?)
  • This:Bu (boo)
  • I want...:...istəyirəm (...is-teh-YEE-rahm)
  • Too expensive:Çox bahadır (chokh bah-HAH-dur)

Numbers

Numbers are essential for everything from asking about opening hours for sites like Ateshgah or Yanar Dag to understanding directions or bus numbers.

  • 1:Bir (beer)
  • 2:İki (ee-kee)
  • 3:Üç (ooch)
  • 4:Dörd (dohrd)
  • 5:Beş (besh)
  • 6:Altı (ahl-tuh)
  • 7:Yeddi (yed-dee)
  • 8:Səkkiz (sek-kiz)
  • 9:Doqquz (dohg-gooz)
  • 10:On (on)
  • 100:Yüz (yooz)
  • 1000:Min (min)

Emergencies & Help

While we hope you won't need these, it's always wise to know how to ask for help in an emergency.

  • Help!:Kömək! (kyoh-MEK!)
  • Doctor:Həkim (hah-KIM)
  • Police:Polis (POH-lees)
  • I don't understand:Başa düşmürəm (bah-shah doosh-MOO-rahm)
  • Can you help me?:Mənə kömək edə bilərsiniz? (meh-NEH kyoh-MEK eh-deh bee-lar-SEE-neez?)
  • Do you speak English?:İngiliscə danışırsınız? (in-gi-lis-JAH dah-nuh-SHIR-suh-niz?)

Cultural Nuances & Tips for Communication

Beyond the words themselves, understanding a few cultural nuances can enhance your interactions:

  • Eye Contact:Direct eye contact is generally seen as a sign of sincerity and respect.
  • Handshakes:A firm handshake is common upon greeting, especially among men.
  • Hospitality:As mentioned, Azerbaijanis are incredibly hospitable. Be open to friendly gestures and invitations.
  • Patience:If there's a language barrier, be patient and use simple gestures. Most locals will appreciate your effort.

Learning even a handful of these phrases can transform your trip, allowing you to engage more deeply with the local culture and create more memorable experiences. Whether you're exploring the ancient rock carvings of Qobustan or the vibrant markets of Sheki, a little Azerbaijani goes a long way.

Beyond the Basics: Deeper Connections

If you're feeling adventurous, try these phrases to express your appreciation for Azerbaijan:

  • Your country is beautiful:Ölkəniz gözəldir (ol-keh-NIZ go-zel-DIR)
  • I love Azerbaijan:Azərbaycanı sevirəm (ah-zer-bye-JAH-nuh seh-vee-RAM)

Embrace the challenge, practice these phrases, and watch as doors open and smiles broaden. Your journey through Azerbaijan will be all the richer for it.