Azerbaijani (Azərbaycan dili) is a Turkic language spoken by over 30 million people in Azerbaijan, north-western Iran and the diaspora. Since 1991, it has been written in the Latin alphabet, after abandoning the Soviet-era Cyrillic. With this kit, you have the bare essentials to find your way around Baku, the Absheron peninsula or the Caspian Sea.
Azerbaijani (Azərbaycan dili) is a Turkic language of the Oghuz subgroup, spoken by approximately 30 to 35 million speakers. It is the official language of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the mother tongue of a vast population in north-western Iran (Iranian Azerbaijan), Dagestan and the diaspora. It is very close to Turkish: both languages share much of their vocabulary and grammar and remain largely mutually intelligible.
The history of its writing reflects that of the country. In the early 20th century, Azerbaijani was written in Arabic script. In 1929, it switched to Latin under the influence of the Turkish reform. In 1939, the USSR imposed Cyrillic. After independence in 1991, the country returned to Latin script, with specific letters (ə, ı, ö, ü, ç, ş, ğ) that mark Azerbaijani phonetic specificity. Pronunciation follows the typical Turkic vowel harmony: the vowels in a word agree with each other.
Travelling in Azerbaijan means discovering a country at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, with Baku as its modern showcase and Icherisheher as its ancient memory. Tea culture, generous hospitality, Naftalan oil baths, mud volcanoes and the natural flames of Yanar Dag make this country a unique destination. This kit gathers the bare essentials to greet, find your way, order a meal and signal an emergency. You will also find cultural tips to respect hospitality codes, navigate sensitive topics like the Karabakh conflict and recognise the kinship with Turkish. Memorise these phrases before leaving and you will instantly win the sympathy of your hosts.
Here is how these phrases play out in real life. Each scene sets the stage and gathers the useful expressions.
You arrive at Heydar Aliyev Airport in Baku midday. The immigration officer greets you with a warm Salam. You wish him a good morning, then a good evening as you head to baggage claim.
The driver loads your suitcase and asks for your destination. You tell him your guesthouse in the old town (Icherisheher), mentioning it is in a pedestrian street near a traditional kitchen, behind a historic gate.
You sit in a chaykhana (tea house) in the Sahil neighbourhood. The waiter offers the menu: water, milk, fresh bread and grilled meat. You order a selection along with a black tea served Azerbaijani style.
You feel unwell after an excursion on the Caspian Sea and ask for help at the reception. You point to your head, eye, ear and mouth to make your symptoms clear to the receptionist who calls a doctor.
On the morning of departure, you warmly thank your hosts. You use the formal Təşəkkür edirəm for elders and the simpler Sağ ol among friends. You answer yes or no to their final questions before getting into the taxi.
What you need to know before travelling to a azerbaïdjanais-speaking country.
Azerbaijani is very close to Turkish: a Turk and an Azerbaijani can often understand each other without translation. The phrase Bir millət, iki dövlət (one nation, two states) sums up this close bond. Mentioning this kinship is appreciated.
The alphabet has changed three times in the 20th century: Arabic until 1929, Latin until 1939, Cyrillic under the USSR, then back to Latin in 1991 after independence. Older generations still recognise Cyrillic, especially on old signage.
Tea (çay) is central to social life. It is served in pear-shaped glasses (armudu), with sugar, jam or dried fruits. Refusing offered tea may seem distant. Accept at least one glass.
Azerbaijan is majority Shia Muslim but largely secular in daily life. Women do not systematically wear the veil and alcohol is freely served. However, when visiting a mosque, cover your shoulders.
The Nagorno-Karabakh conflict with Armenia remains a sensitive topic. Avoid initiating discussion on this theme and never confuse Armenians and Azerbaijanis: these two peoples have distinct languages, religions and histories.
Hospitality is a cultural pillar: a guest is seen as a gift from God. Hosts will keep refilling your plate and you may need to insist firmly to signal you have had enough. The phrase Çox sağ olun (thank you very much) helps.
Baku, the capital, is modern and cosmopolitan, with an old town (Icherisheher) listed by UNESCO. Azerbaijanis are proud of their contemporary architecture (Flame Towers, Heydar Aliyev Center) as much as their ancient heritage.
Azerbaijani cuisine is inspired by Persia, Turkey and the Caucasus: plov (fragrant rice), dolma (stuffed vegetables), kebabs and lamb-based soups. Do not miss the national dish, Azerbaijani plov with dried fruits and saffron.
Preview. The full glossary (30 words) and all the phrases are in the PDF.
Zəhmət olmasa
please
Bağışlayın
excuse me, sorry
Sağ olun
goodbye
Necəsən
how are you (informal)
olmaq
to be, to become
var
to have, there is
getmək
to go
gəlmək
to come
yemək
to eat
içmək
to drink
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Every translation is cross-checked against at least two concordant sources among the references below.
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