Everyday Turkish Exclamations
| The Exclamation |
The paraphrased Redhouse 'Primary Situation' Definition | Burcu Hanım's Insight |
| İNSALLAH |
Used in situations in which English-speakers would use 'Hopefully'. |
Use before beginning something. |
| BİSMILLAH |
In the name of God... (said prayerfully by a Muslim as he/she embarks on some activity)
|
Use just at beginning of an act. |
| ALLAH ALLAH |
coll. Goodness gracious!/How strange |
Used when one has been surprised. |
| EYVALLAH |
So be it./If you say so. |
Used when one has given up/given in. |
| YA ALLAH |
Go. Get going. (An encouraging command)
| Go to the limit. |
| VALLAH BILLAH |
I Promise! I swear to God it's true! So help me God! |
Promise, swear. |
| EVEL ALLAH |
with God's help; Certainly. |
Said to demonstrate one's self confidence. |
| ALİMALLAH |
God knows. |
Said by someone who is highly motivated. |
| FESUPHANALLAH |
Good God Almighty! (Said in amazement) |
Used when one is bored. |
| HASBINALLAH |
Good God! |
Used when one is extremely bored. |
| İLLALLAH | I'm fed up!/I give up!/I've had enough! |
Used when giving up [hope]. |
| ALLAH, ALLAH, ALLAH |
Good God Almighty! (Said in amazement) |
Used to vocalize great inspiration and motivation. |
| MAŞALLAH | Wonderful!/Magnificent!/Just look at that! |
Used when one has succeeded. |
| HAY ALLAH | My God! |
Said by someone facing faliure. |