Slang

1. Qağa

   Bro / mate

   Usage

   Established Baku youth slang for addressing a man. Only for male friends your own age — not for elders, women or formal settings

2. Qardaş

   Brother

   Usage

   Broader than qağa and safe even with a man you have just met — a friendly way to address a driver or shopkeeper

3. Canım

   My dear

   Usage

   Literally "my soul" — a warm address for family, close friends and younger people. With a stranger of the opposite sex it reads as flirting, so avoid it there

4. Bala

   Kid / dear (to someone younger)

   Usage

   Literally "child". Older people say it kindly to the young and to guests, and it is not rude to receive. Said to someone older than you it is a serious insult, so do not use it yourself

5. Nə var, nə yox?

   What's up?

   Usage

   Literally "what is there, what is not?" — a casual greeting for friends. Use «Necəsiniz?» with elders or in formal settings

6. Hə

   Yeah

   Usage

   The casual counterpart of bəli, "yes". Fine with friends and peers; use bəli in official settings

7. Baş üstə

   Gladly / at your service

   Usage

   Literally "upon my head" — the set phrase for accepting a request warmly, and perfectly polite with elders

8. Halal olsun

   Well done / respect

   Usage

   Praise for someone's effort or generosity. Usable at any age, but only say it when you mean it — otherwise it lands as sarcasm

9. Vay

   Wow / oh

   Usage

   An exclamation for surprise, awe or dismay, and rude to no one

10. Aman Allah

    Oh my goodness

    Usage

    A common exclamation of surprise or dismay. It names God but is fully everyday speech and rude to no one — just do not throw it around as a joke

11. Nə əcəb!

    What a surprise!

    Usage

    A reaction to seeing someone after a long time, or to an unexpected offer. For people you know — say it with a smile, since a flat delivery sounds barbed

12. Boş ver

    Never mind / forget it

    Usage

    Literally "give it empty". Good for comforting a friend or letting a squabble go; with an elder or an official it sounds dismissive

13. Yaxşı da

    Come on, it's fine

    Usage

    The particle da softens or nudges at the end of a sentence. Spoken, friends-only — never in writing

14. Gedək

    Let's go

    Usage

    A one-word invitation for friends; «Gedək, buyurun» is the polite version. Rude to no one

15. Görüşərik

    See you

    Usage

    Literally "we will meet". For friends and peers when parting; add «Sağ olun» in formal settings

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