Useful Azerbaijani Vocabulary | English to Azerbaijani Translation

Interested in visiting a country that offers history, finger lickin’ delicious food and mesmerizing scenery? That’s Azerbaijan for you. The country gives you a wild ride that can simply knock your socks off. However, stepping into Azerbaijan requires a visa. Luckily, you can get one by simply going to our website –  visaforazerbaijan.org.uk.

Done? Great. 

Now, let’s talk about something way more fun: the Azerbaijan language.

Let’s Talk About the Azerbaijani Language First!

Azerbaijani (or Azəri dili if you’re fancy) is the common language spoken here. It’s part of the Turkic family, so if you’ve ever uttered a “merhaba” in Turkey, you’ll notice some similarities. The locals become delighted whenever travelers attempt to speak Azerbaijani, despite their probable garbled pronunciation patterns. Even an awkward attempt to yell “SA-LAM!” a lost grandma in Sheki will lead locals to smile with appreciation.

Must-Know Words: Azerbaijan to English Cheat Sheet

Let’s cut to the chase. Here’s your survival kit for basic English to Azerbaijan language translations:

Greetings (Break the Ice)

• Hello in Azerbaijani: “Salam!” [sah-lahm] (Say it loud, say it proud.)
• Good morning: “Sabahınız xeyir!” [sah-bah-huh-nuhz kheir] (Perfect for those early museum runs.)
• Good night: “Gecəniz xeyrə!” [geh-jah-nuhz kheir-uh] (Use this after late-night kebabs.)

Small Talk (Pretend You’re Interested)

• How are you in Azerbaijani?: “Necəsən?” [neh-jeh-sahn] (To one person) or “Necəsiz?” [neh-jeh-seez] (To a group). Pro tip: Nod enthusiastically no matter the answer.
• Where is…?: “… haradadır?”  [hah-rah-dah-dur] (Plug in “metro” or “restoran” when lost. Which you will be.)

Food & Drinks (Priorities First)

• Water: “Su” [soo] (Critical after spicy lamb plov).
• Thank you in Azerbaijani: “Çox sağ olun!” [chokh sah-olun] (Say this to the waiter who brings extra bread. You’ll need it.)

Directions (Avoid Circling Baku Forever)

• “Sağ” [sahgh] (Right), “sol” [sohl] (Left), “düz” [düz] (Straight). Memorize these or end up in a Caspian Sea fishing village.

Phrases to Sound Less Like a Tourist

Want to level up? Drop these Azerbaijan language to English gems:

• “Nuş olsun!” [noosh ol-soon]: (“Enjoy your meal!”) Say it before devouring stuffed grape leaves.
• “Kömək edə bilərsiniz?” [keu-mehk eh-deh-bil-ehr-seen]: (“Could you help me?”) Use this before you get lost in a carpet shop.
• “Polis stansiyası haradadır?” [poh-lees stahn-sih-yah-sih hah-rah-dah-dur]: Just kidding. Don’t learn that. Hopefully.

Read also: 15 Interesting Facts About Azerbaijan You Need to Know

Why Bother Learning This Stuff?

Look, English might get you by in Baku’s glitzy hotels, but venture beyond the capital and the Azeri language is your lifeline. Plus, locals will treat you like family if you mutter a clumsy “Təbrik edirəm!” [teh-breek eh-dee-rehm] (“Congratulations!”) at a wedding you accidentally crash.

Ready to Go?

Azerbaijan’s waiting – but first, that visa. Head to visaforazerbaijan.org.uk or ping us at service@visaforazerbaijan.org.uk. Get those docs sorted, cram these phrases into your brain, and prepare for a trip where even getting lost feels like an adventure. Xoş gəlmisiniz! [khosh gel-meh-sin-iz] (That’s “welcome,” by the way. You’re already nailing this.).

P.S. If all else fails, just smile and say “Çay!” [chai] (Tea). They’ll know what you mean.