5 Everyday Phrases in Cypriot Turkish You Won’t Find in Textbooks

Speak like a local, not like a grammar book.

If you've ever studied Turkish using a textbook or app, you've probably learned things like:

• “Merhaba, nasılsın?” (Hello, how are you?)

• But walk into a café in Northern Cyprus, and you might hear:

• “Napan be?” (What are you up to?)

That’s because Cypriot Turkish has its own rhythm, expressions, and personality — and most learning platforms don’t teach you that. Here are 5 everyday Cypriot Turkish phrases that locals use all the time, but textbooks never mention:

1. “Napan be?”

Meaning: “What are you doing?” or “What’s up?”
Use it when: Greeting a friend casually.

Textbooks say: “Ne yapıyorsun?”
In Cyprus: “Napan be?”
It’s shorter, more relaxed, and sounds 100% local.

2. “Osdo yüro”

Meaning: “Go wander around” / “Go take a walk”
Use it when: You say you're just wasting your time and wandering around.
It’s often used when someone is being dramatic, bored, or annoying — kind of like saying, “wandering around” but in a very Cypriot way.

Example:
“Nerde gezen?”
“Osdo yüro dolanırım işde!”

3. “Gaç hade!”

Meaning: “Get out of here!” / “Go away!”

Use it when: Someone is annoying, teasing, or pushing your buttons — usually someone close to you. It’s playfully rude, but you should not use for unfamiliar people.

This phrase is very Cypriot in tone. The way you say it matters — it can be said with a laugh or with serious attitude.

Example:
“Baba, bana biraz para ver!”
“Al da, gaç hade!”

4. “Gavvolem!”

Meaning: “Damn it!” / “Wow, look at that!” / “Can you believe this?”
Use it when: You’re surprised, annoyed, or reacting to something unexpected — especially when someone does something silly or shocking.
It’s emotional and expressive — the Cypriot version of “What the heck?!”

Example:
(Your friend spills tea on your notes.)
“Gavvolem be!”

5. “Seki”

Meaning: “Stairs”
Use it when: You’re giving directions, joking around, or using it in local slang. It's a basic word, but Cypriots use it a lot in daily speech.

Example:
“O sekiye oturma, yıkılacak!”

Why These Matter

Learning textbook Turkish is useful, but if you want to blend in, understand locals, and feel confident, learning phrases like these is a game changer. In my Speak Harmony classes, I teach you these expressions and how to actually use them — with tone, timing, and confidence.

Want to Learn More?

Book a free 20-minute trial class and start speaking real Cypriot Turkish — not just the polite version in your language app. Let’s make it fun, natural, and actually useful.

👉 Book your trial session now