If you’re planning a trip to the capital of Azerbaijan, you’re in for an amazing mix of modern skyscrapers, ancient history, and incredible food.

While many young people in Baku speak English, and a large portion of the population speaks Russian, learning a little bit of Azerbaijani goes a long way.

As I always say when talking about language learning, putting in the effort to speak the local language is the fastest way to earn the respect and smiles of the locals.

Azerbaijani is a Turkic language, which means it’s very closely related to Turkish.

If you know a little Turkish, you’ll already understand a lot! But even if you’re starting from zero, the phrases below are very easy to learn.

Here’s your essential survival guide for navigating Baku in Azerbaijani.

Greetings and basic pleasantries

The very first thing you need to know in any language is how to say hello and be polite.

In Baku, people are famously hospitable. Knowing how to greet someone properly will start every interaction on the right foot.

Here are the most common greetings you’ll use every day:

• Salam – Hello (used in almost any situation).
• Sabahınız xeyir – Good morning.
• Sağ ol – Thank you / Goodbye (informal).
• Çox sağ olun – Thank you very much (formal/polite).
• Necəsiniz? – How are you? (formal).

In Baku, you’ll often hear locals use a regional slang word, nətərsən?, instead of the standard necəsən? (how are you). It’s very informal, but using it with a taxi driver or a shopkeeper might just get you a surprised laugh and a new friend!

Getting around and transportation

Baku has an excellent, cheap metro system and plenty of buses. You’ll also probably use ride-hailing apps like Bolt or Uber.

Even if you use an app, you often need to tell the driver exactly where to stop. Here’s some useful vocabulary for navigating the streets.

When you’re in a taxi and you reach your destination, you can simply say:

Eating out and ordering food

Azerbaijani food is absolutely delicious. From savory plov (rice pilaf) to fresh kebabs, you’re going to eat very well in Baku.

Tea (çay) is a massive part of the culture here. No meal is complete without a pot of black tea, usually served with jam or sweets.

Here’s what you need to know when sitting down at a restaurant:

• Menyu, zəhmət olmasa – The menu, please.
• Su – Water.
• Çay – Tea.
• Dadlıdır – It’s delicious.
• Hesab – The bill.

Shopping and bargaining

Baku has many modern, fixed-price shopping malls (like Deniz Mall or Port Baku). However, if you visit the local bazaars, like the famous Yaşıl Bazar (Green Market), you’ll need to know how to ask for prices and maybe even bargain a little!

• Bu nə qədərdir? – How much is this? (Also: Neçəyədir?)
• Baha – Expensive.
• Ucuz – Cheap.
• Mən bunu istəyirəm – I want this.

If a vendor gives you a price that seems a bit too high, you can politely smile and say:

Asking for help and directions

Getting lost in the winding, cobblestone streets of Baku’s İçərişəhər (Old City) is one of the best parts of the trip! But eventually, you’ll need to find your way back to your hotel or the nearest metro station.

When approaching a stranger for help, it’s always best to start with “Excuse me” (Bağışlayın).

• Bağışlayın – Excuse me.
• İngiliscə bilirsiniz? – Do you speak English?
• Mən başa düşmürəm – I don’t understand.
• … haradadır? – Where is …?

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You don’t need perfect pronunciation or grammar to use these phrases. Azerbaijani people are incredibly warm, and they’ll be absolutely thrilled that a visitor is trying to speak their language.

Write these phrases down in a notebook or save this page on your phone, and practice them a few times before your flight to Baku.