Living in Istanbul / Istanbul
English–Turkish phrases for home repairs in Istanbul
You do not need to explain a whole repair in Turkish to send a useful first message. Start with the location, the visible problem and a photo. These phrases help with an initial enquiry and the questions that follow.
Who should you ask for?
| English | Turkish | When it helps |
|---|---|---|
| Plumber | Su tesisatçısı | Water pipes, taps and leaks. |
| Electrician | Elektrikçi | Electrical faults and installations. |
| Furniture assembly | Mobilya montajı | Assembling a bed, wardrobe or other furniture. |
| Curtain rail fitting | Korniş montajı | Describe or photograph the rail; product types differ. |
| Painter | Boyacı | Painting; specify any surface repairs separately. |
| Repair technician / skilled tradesperson | Tamirci / usta | Broad words: add the exact job rather than assuming a specialty. |
“Handyman” does not have one exact equivalent that covers every small home job. A list such as furniture assembly, shelf fitting and cupboard adjustment is clearer than asking only for an usta.
Describe what you can see
- Mutfak musluğu damlatıyor.
- The kitchen tap is dripping.
- Lavabonun altından su sızıyor.
- Water is leaking from under the sink.
- Lavabo tıkalı.
- The sink is blocked.
- Tavandan su damlıyor.
- Water is dripping from the ceiling.
- Dolap kapağı düzgün kapanmıyor.
- The cupboard door does not close properly.
- İki raf monte ettirmek istiyorum.
- I would like to have two shelves fitted.
Add a photo and avoid diagnosing a hidden cause. You can say “Sorunu gösteren fotoğrafları gönderiyorum”: “I am sending photos showing the problem.” For an active emergency, seek immediate local assistance rather than waiting for a routine enquiry response.
Ask what the quote includes
- İşçilik ücrete dahil mi?
- Is labour included in the price?
- Malzemeler ücrete dahil mi?
- Are materials included in the price?
- Servis ücreti var mı?
- Is there a call-out / service fee?
- Tamir yapılamazsa yine ücret öder miyim?
- Will I still pay a fee if the repair cannot be carried out?
- Ek bir işlem gerekirse önce bana haber verir misiniz?
- If additional work is needed, will you let me know first?
- Fiyat teklifini yazılı olarak gönderebilir misiniz?
- Could you send the quote in writing?
A figure sent by message may be an estimate based on your description. Ask what must be checked in person and how extra work will be agreed. Make sure you both mean the same job before confirming the price.
Arrange access and a time
- Yarın saat 14.00 ile 17.00 arasında evdeyim.
- I will be home tomorrow between 14:00 and 17:00.
- Daire üçüncü katta. Asansör yok.
- The apartment is on the third floor. There is no lift.
- Gelmeden önce mesaj atar mısınız?
- Could you message me before you arrive?
- Türkçe konuşamıyorum. İngilizce yazışabilir miyiz?
- I cannot speak Turkish. Can we communicate in English by message?
Use the neighbourhood and district together—for example, Moda, Kadıköy or Cihangir, Beyoğlu. Share the full address privately once you are arranging the appointment. Change the day, times, floor and lift information in these examples to match your home.
Put it into one message
Merhaba, Kadıköy, Moda’da oturuyorum. Mutfak musluğu damlatıyor. Fotoğrafları gönderiyorum. Yarın saat 14.00 ile 17.00 arasında evdeyim. Servis ücreti var mı? İşçilik ve malzemeler ücrete dahil mi?“Hello, I live in Moda, Kadıköy. The kitchen tap is dripping. I am sending photos. I will be home tomorrow between 14:00 and 17:00. Is there a call-out fee? Are labour and materials included?”
If you prefer to coordinate the whole enquiry in English, explore our Istanbul home services. For local enquiries, see tap and leak help in Kadıköy or shelf fitting in Beyoğlu. English coordination does not mean that every visiting provider speaks English; we help with the conversation.