Meaning
Asking someone to stop and wait.
Cultural Background
In Turkey, it is common to wait for friends even if they are late. This is part of 'arkadaşlık' (friendship) culture. Many famous Turkish songs are titled 'Beni Bekle', usually about a lover waiting for someone returning from a long journey. Using the plural 'Beni bekleyin' even for one person can sometimes be used to show extra respect in semi-formal situations. On WhatsApp, Turks often shorten this to 'bekle' or use the emoji ✋ to mean 'wait for me'.
Softening the blow
Add 'biraz' (a little) to sound less demanding: 'Beni biraz bekle.'
Case sensitivity
Always use 'Beni', never 'Bana'. This is the #1 mistake for English speakers.
Meaning
Asking someone to stop and wait.
Softening the blow
Add 'biraz' (a little) to sound less demanding: 'Beni biraz bekle.'
Case sensitivity
Always use 'Beni', never 'Bana'. This is the #1 mistake for English speakers.
The 'Wait' Hand
Turks often use a hand gesture (palm out, fingers slightly spread) while saying this.
Texting
In texts, 'bekle' is often enough if the context is clear.
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct form of the pronoun 'I' in the accusative case.
_______ bekle, çantamı unuttum!
The verb 'beklemek' requires the accusative case, which is 'beni'.
Which sentence is the most appropriate to say to your boss?
You need your manager to wait for you for a meeting.
This is the polite, formal version suitable for a professional setting.
Complete the dialogue.
Ahmet: Otobüs kalkıyor! Can: Hayır, _________!
Can is asking Ahmet to wait for him.
Match the phrase to the situation.
You are texting a friend to say you are 10 minutes late and they should go inside the cinema without you.
'Beni bekleme' means 'Don't wait for me'.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Formal vs Informal
Practice Bank
4 exercises_______ bekle, çantamı unuttum!
The verb 'beklemek' requires the accusative case, which is 'beni'.
You need your manager to wait for you for a meeting.
This is the polite, formal version suitable for a professional setting.
Ahmet: Otobüs kalkıyor! Can: Hayır, _________!
Can is asking Ahmet to wait for him.
You are texting a friend to say you are 10 minutes late and they should go inside the cinema without you.
'Beni bekleme' means 'Don't wait for me'.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNot among friends or family. It is a standard informal request. However, use 'Bekler misiniz?' with strangers.
They mean the same thing. 'Beni bekle' is more common in daily speech; 'Bekle beni' sounds slightly more poetic or emphatic.
Use 'Bizi bekleyin' (formal/plural) or 'Bizi bekle' (informal).
It's better to say 'Bir dakika' or 'Hatta kalın' (stay on the line) if you want someone to wait while you do something else.
Because 'beklemek' is a transitive verb that needs an object in the accusative case.
You can say 'Beni uzun süre bekle'.
Youth might say 'Bi' dur' (Just stop/wait) or 'Beklesene'.
You can shout it to a bus driver, but 'Durun!' (Stop!) is more effective.
It means 'Don't wait for me'. Use it if you are going to be very late.
Lütfen beni bekle.
Related Phrases
Bir dakika
similarOne minute
Dur
similarStop
Acele etme
contrastDon't rush
Yavaşla
similarSlow down
Beni bekletme
builds onDon't make me wait
