Turkish Video Call Phrases for Family: Impress Your In-Laws
Navigate video calls with your partner's Turkish family confidently. Essential phrases for greetings and polite conversation.
Video calls with your partner's family are a great chance to show respect, warmth, and a little Turkish fluency. These phrases help you greet elders politely, join the conversation naturally, and end the call on a good note.
Phrase to Learn
Nasılsınız?
How are you? / How are you all?
[ nah-SIHL-suh-nuhz ]
The safest and most respectful opening for a family call
Essential Phrases
These phrases are essential for communicating with your Turkish-speaking partner's family:
| Turkish | English | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Merhaba, nasılsınız? | Hello, how are you? | mehr-hah-bah nah-SIHL-suh-nuhz |
| Tanıştığımıza memnun oldum | Nice to meet you | tah-nuhshtuh-uh-MUH-zah mem-NOON ohl-doom |
| Biz iyiyiz, çok şükür | We are well, thank God | biz ee-YEE-yiz chok shue-KUER |
| Sizi görmek çok güzel | It's lovely to see you | SEE-zee gehr-MEHK chohk gue-ZEL |
| Birazdan sizi aramış olacağım | I'll call you a little later | bee-RAHZ-dahn SEE-zee ah-rah-muhsh oh-lah-JAH-uhm |
Merhaba, nasılsınız? is the best opening line for most family calls because it is polite without sounding stiff.
Cultural Tip
Turkish family calls typically open with greetings to every person on screen — not just the one who answers. A simple Herkese merhaba! (hello everyone) goes a long way. Elders expect the formal siz pronoun rather than the casual sen, and asking Sağlığınız nasıl? (How is your health?) shows genuine care.
More Useful Expressions
| Turkish | English | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Sizinle tanışmak çok güzel | It's very nice to meet you | SEE-zin-leh tah-nuhsh-MAK chohk gue-ZEL |
| Nasılsınız, iyi misiniz? | How are you, are you well? | nah-SIHL-suh-nuhz ee-YEE mee-see-niz |
| Haberlerinizi duymak güzel | It's nice to hear your news | hah-behr-leh-ree-NEE-zee doo-yoom-MAK gue-ZEL |
| Çok naziksiniz | You are very kind | chohk nah-ZEEK-see-niz |
| Bize biraz kendinizden bahseder misiniz? | Could you tell us a little about yourself? | bee-zeh bee-RAHZ ken-DEE-neez-den bah-seh-DEHR mee-see-niz |
Pronunciation: guh-RUEN-tue-lue ah-RAH-mah yah-pah-LIHM mih
"Haftaya görüntülü arama yapalım mı, çok özledim sizi?"
Showing Appreciation and Warmth
| Turkish | English | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Çok teşekkür ederim | Thank you very much | chohk teh-shek-KUER eh-deh-REEM |
| Sizi özledik | We've missed you | SEE-zee ohz-leh-DEEK |
| Sizi görmek çok iyi oldu | It was so good to see you | SEE-zee gehr-MEK chohk ee-YEE ohl-doo |
| Yakında görüşürüz inşallah | Hopefully we'll see each other soon | yah-KIHN-dah guh-roo-SHUE-ruez een-SHAH-lah |
Navigating Technical Difficulties
Family calls are easier when you can calmly handle small technical problems. Short, polite phrases keep the mood warm even if the audio or video glitches.
| Turkish | English | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Sesiniz biraz kısık geliyor | Your voice is coming through a little softly | seh-see-NEEZ bee-RAHZ kuh-suhk geh-lee-YOR |
| Görüntü dondu galiba | I think the video froze | guh-RUEN-tue dohn-DOO gah-LEE-bah |
| Tekrar eder misiniz? | Could you repeat that? | tek-RAHR eh-DEHR mee-SEE-neez |
| Bir saniye bekler misiniz? | Could you wait one second? | beer sah-NIH-yeh behk-LEHR mee-SEE-neez |
| Şimdi daha iyi oldu | It's better now | sheem-DEE dah-HAH ee-YEE ohl-doo |
Pronunciation: ek-RAHN don-DOO gah-LEE-bah
"Kayınvalidem, ekran dondu galiba, beni duyuyor musunuz?"
Respectful Greetings and Titles
Turkish family conversations often sound warmer when you use the formal plural siz with elders. Start with a polite greeting, then ask a simple question about their well-being or the family.
If you are meeting extended family, titles can show respect and help you sound more natural. Use Amca for an older man, Teyze for an older woman, and Hanım or Bey only when the situation calls for a more formal address. If you are unsure, keep the sentence simple and polite rather than trying to be clever.
Pronunciation: heh-pee-MEEZ ee-YEE-yiz chok shue-KUER
"Siz sordunuz ya, hepimiz iyiyiz, çok şükür."
Ending the Call Warmly
A good ending should feel thoughtful, not rushed. Görüşmek üzere means "See you again," and it is a friendly way to close the conversation while leaving the door open for the next call.
If the family has been welcoming, add a line of appreciation like Çok teşekkür ederim, konuşmak çok güzeldi to show that you enjoyed the conversation. If they are busy, Kolay gelsin is an especially useful phrase because it politely acknowledges their work or chores.
Pronunciation: toh-ROON-lar see-ZEE chok OH-peu-yohr
"Şimdi kapatıyoruz, torunlar sizi çok öpüyor."
Tips for Using These Phrases
- Test technology beforehand - Avoid awkward starts
- Have phrases ready - Keep this guide nearby
- Smile often - Body language transcends language barriers
- Ask questions - Show interest in their lives
- Be patient - Technical issues happen to everyone
Practice Makes Perfect
Try the phrases out loud before the next call. Even a short greeting, one follow-up question, and a respectful goodbye can make a strong impression with Turkish-speaking family.
Related Articles
Ready to learn together?
Speak their language, touch their heart. Fun games, voice practice & goals made for two.
Start Learning for $0.00 →✨ Try free — no credit card needed
Frequently Asked Questions
What's a polite way to ask 'Can you hear me?' at the start of a Turkish video call?
You can say 'Beni duyabiliyor musunuz?' (Can you hear me?). It's a standard way to check the audio. Practicing this with your partner before a real call can reduce your anxiety.
How do I say 'It's nice to meet you' to my partner's family in Turkish during a video call?
Say 'Tanıştığıma memnun oldum' (Pleased to meet you). It's a polite and respectful greeting. Prepare this in advance and practice the pronunciation together so you feel confident.
What's a good conversation starter to use with Turkish in-laws on a video call?
Ask 'Nasılsınız?' (How are you?) and then follow up with 'Her şey yolunda mı?' (Is everything alright?). It shows you care about their well-being. Couples can practice asking and answering these questions to each other.
How do you politely excuse yourself if you need to step away during a Turkish video call?
You can say 'Bir saniye müsaadenizle' (Excuse me for a second). It's a polite way to ask for a brief interruption. Try practicing this phrase so it rolls off your tongue naturally when you need it.
What's a warm way to say goodbye at the end of a Turkish video call with family?
Say 'Kendinize iyi bakın' (Take care of yourselves) and 'Görüşmek üzere' (See you later). It leaves a positive and caring impression. Practice these phrases with your partner to ensure you both sound natural and sincere.
