Meaning
Requesting a delay.
Cultural Background
The 'Tulip Hand' gesture (fingers together, palm up) often accompanies this phrase to emphasize 'just a little bit'. In meetings, asking for a wait is common as people often multitask or handle urgent calls. It is not seen as disrespectful if done politely. If you are a guest and told 'biraz bekler misin', you will almost certainly be offered tea or coffee while you wait. On WhatsApp, Turks often use 'bi sn' (bir saniye) as a shorthand for this entire phrase.
The Magic Word
Adding 'lütfen' (please) at the beginning makes you sound like a native speaker who has mastered Turkish etiquette.
Watch the 'r'
Don't drop the 'r' in 'bekler'. If you say 'bekle misin', it's grammatically incorrect and sounds confusing.
Meaning
Requesting a delay.
The Magic Word
Adding 'lütfen' (please) at the beginning makes you sound like a native speaker who has mastered Turkish etiquette.
Watch the 'r'
Don't drop the 'r' in 'bekler'. If you say 'bekle misin', it's grammatically incorrect and sounds confusing.
The 'Bi' Sn' Trick
In very casual settings, you can just say 'Bi' saniye?' with a questioning intonation. It's the ultimate shortcut.
Patience is Key
In Turkey, 'biraz' can sometimes mean 10 minutes. Don't take the 'little' too literally!
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct word to make the request polite.
Lütfen ____ bekler misin?
'Biraz' (a little) is the standard word used to soften a request for time.
Which of these is the most polite way to ask a stranger to wait?
Choose the best option:
The plural/formal 'misiniz' and the potential '-ebilir' make it the most polite for a stranger.
Complete the dialogue.
Ahmet: 'Kahve hazır mı?' Can: 'Hayır, ____ bekler misin?'
Can is asking Ahmet to wait a little because the coffee isn't ready.
Match the phrase to the situation.
You are on the phone and someone knocks on your door.
You need to pause the phone conversation to check the door.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Politeness Levels of 'Wait'
Practice Bank
4 exercisesLütfen ____ bekler misin?
'Biraz' (a little) is the standard word used to soften a request for time.
Choose the best option:
The plural/formal 'misiniz' and the potential '-ebilir' make it the most polite for a stranger.
Ahmet: 'Kahve hazır mı?' Can: 'Hayır, ____ bekler misin?'
Can is asking Ahmet to wait a little because the coffee isn't ready.
You are on the phone and someone knocks on your door.
You need to pause the phone conversation to check the door.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsIt is neutral. It's fine for friends and colleagues. For strangers or bosses, use 'bekler misiniz'.
Yes, but 'Biraz beklemenizi rica ederim' is more professional for written correspondence.
Functionally, nothing. 'Biraz' is more vague, while 'bir dakika' sounds slightly more specific but is rarely exactly 60 seconds.
You can say 'Tabii' (Of course), 'Tamam' (Okay), or 'Bekliyorum' (I am waiting).
Because of Turkish vowel harmony. 'Bekler' ends with an 'e' sound, so the question particle must be 'mi', and the suffix 'sin'.
Yes! 'Birazcık bekler misin?' is very cute and informal, often used with children or partners.
Yes, if someone is moving too fast emotionally, you might say 'Biraz bekler misin? Zamana ihtiyacım var.'
No, it's better to say 'Uzun sürecek' (It will take long) if the wait is more than a few minutes.
Not with your siblings or very close best friends, but even then, 'bekler misin' sounds nicer.
It's short for 'bir saniye' and is the digital equivalent of 'biraz bekler misin'.
Related Phrases
bir dakika
synonymone minute
bir saniye
synonymone second
bekleyebilir misiniz?
builds oncan you wait (formal)
sabret
similarhave patience
dur biraz
similarstop a bit
hemen geliyorum
builds onI'm coming right now
