Sağ ol/Sağ olun

Thank You Forms

Level 1

Sağ ol (informal) and Sağ olun (formal/plural) are the most common ways to express gratitude. They literally mean 'Be healthy' and are also used as a farewell.

How It Works

In Azerbaijani, gratitude is deeply linked to wishing someone well-being.

1. Usage by Register:

  • Sağ ol: Used with people you know well, children, or peers. It uses the singular imperative.
  • Sağ olun: Used to show respect to elders, teachers, or people you don't know. It is also the mandatory form when addressing more than one person, using the plural/polite imperative.

2. The Dual Meaning:
Unlike the English 'Thank you,' these phrases are frequently used as a way to say 'Goodbye' (similar to 'Take care'). It is common to hear someone say Sağ ol both when receiving a favor and when walking out the door.

3. Adding Emphasis and Alternatives:
To say 'Thank you very much,' add the word Çox (Very/Many) before the phrase: Çox sağ ol. For a more formal setting, you can also use Təşəkkür edirəm. To respond to 'Thank you,' a common phrase is Dəyməz (You're welcome/It's nothing).

4. Pronunciation Note:
The letter ğ in sağ is a voiced sound made at the back of the mouth, a soft gargled 'g' (like the French 'r'). It is not an English 'h'. In fast speech it can be very light.

Examples (5)

  1. Sağ ol, Rəşad.

    Thanks, Rəşad.

    Word by Word: Healthy be, Rəşad.

    A simple informal thank you to a friend.

  2. Çox sağ olun, müəllim.

    Thank you very much, teacher.

    Word by Word: Very healthy be (formal), teacher.

    Using the formal 'sağ olun' to show respect to a teacher.

  3. Köməyin üçün çox sağ ol!

    Thank you very much for your help!

    Word by Word: Your help for very healthy be!

    A common way to thank someone for a specific action.

  4. Mən getdim, sağ olun!

    I'm off, goodbye!

    Word by Word: I went, healthy be (plural)!

    Here, 'sağ olun' is used as a farewell to a group of people.

  5. Hər şey üçün sağ olun.

    Thank you for everything.

    Word by Word: Every thing for healthy be (formal).

    A polite way to express gratitude for general hospitality or assistance.

Common Mistakes

  • Using the informal 'Sağ ol' where more respect is wanted.

    Different MeaningSağ ol, baba.
    Sağ olun, baba.

    'Sağ ol' is natural with friends, family and younger people. With an elder or a boss, 'Sağ olun' shows more respect.

  • Using 'Sağ ol' when thanking a group of people.

    Uşaqlar, sağ ol!
    Uşaqlar, sağ olun!

    Even if you are being informal, if you are addressing more than one person, you must use the plural form 'sağ olun'.

  • Confusing 'Sağ ol' with 'Sağlam ol'.

    Sağlam ol, köməyin üçün.
    Sağ ol, köməyin üçün.

    'Sağlam ol' also means 'be healthy,' but it is specifically used as a response to a sneeze (Bless you), not for gratitude.

How It Connects

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Sağ ol/Sağ olunLevel 1Thank You Forms

Learn This First

To understand 'Sağ ol' and 'Sağ olun', learners need to grasp the distinction between informal singular address and formal or plural address in Azerbaijani. Basic vowel harmony is also helpful to understand the suffixation in the polite form.

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Patterns that build on this one.

Words in This Pattern

sağololmaq