tebrik

Tebrik is a Turkish noun meaning a message or expression of congratulations. It is used to convey good wishes on various occasions, such as birthdays, weddings, exams, promotions, or national holidays. The verb form tebrik etmek means to congratulate someone, while tebrikler or tebrikler olsun are common ways to offer congratulations in writing or speech.

Etymology and cognates: tebrik is borrowed from Persian and Arabic, where related forms such as tabrīk or taqrīb appear with the same general meaning of commendation or congratulations. The term appears in Ottoman Turkish and has remained a standard part of contemporary Turkish, alongside cognate terms in related languages such as Azerbaijani and Urdu (tabrik) and Persian (tabrīk).

Usage and forms: in formal and informal settings, people use tebrik in phrases like Tebrik ederim, tebrikler, or Tebrikler, and in compound expressions such as “tebrik mesajı” (congratulatory message) or “tebrik kartı” (congratulatory card). It is also common to deliver a tebrik speech or write a tebrik note when acknowledging someone’s achievement or a celebratory event.

Cultural role: tebrik functions as a social norm for maintaining goodwill and recognition in personal networks and public life. Its use reflects emphasis on courtesy and positive social exchange in Turkish-speaking communities, and its cognates appear in many related languages with similar ceremonial importance.