Problems You May Encounter Translating English to Turkish
Don’t Try Word-for-Word Translations
English is a multi-layered language where one word often carries multiple meanings or specific usages depending on the situation and context. Native English speakers instinctively understand the intended meaning through tone, environment, and other contextual clues.
Turkish, however, functions differently. Each situation and context typically requires a specific verb or set phrase that is deeply rooted in Turkish culture. These phrases often reflect core values like religion, family ties, hospitality, and the importance of sustaining friendships.
While Turkish generally avoids the ambiguity of multi-use words, there are some exceptions where one Turkish word can have two meanings. For instance:
Kalem: This can mean either a pen or a pencil. The context usually makes it clear which one is meant.
Banka: Borrowed from Western languages, this can mean either a financial bank or a bench in a park. Contextual clues, such as oturun (you sit) or parktaki (in the park), help clarify the intended meaning.
Çay: This can mean tea as a drink or a small stream, depending on whether you're talking about something to sip or something in nature.
Cam: It can mean glass (as in a windowpane) or a mosque, again clarified by the surrounding words or situation.
Dede: While often meaning grandfather, it can also refer to a spiritual elder in certain contexts, especially in Alevi traditions.
When translating between English and Turkish, it’s important to avoid direct, word-for-word translations. Instead, focus on learning the specific verbs and phrases that fit each situation. This will not only make your Turkish sound more natural but also help you connect with the cultural nuances of the language.
Etmek and Yapmak Verbs how and when to use
A common problem initially is not fully grasping when to use the verbs Etmek and Yapmak. To help learners grasp the natural use of these two important Turkish verbs there is a etmek or yapmak game available from the language game page
Don't say Turkish word for face Yüz to also mean the face of a building or a cliff
Don't translate the face of a cliff building etc as Yüz yüz is for the face the body part only. Turkish does not have the same double meaning words as English.
Turkish meli and ellim suffixes are often used differently in English than they are in Turkish and vice versa
I must and I have to are not used by native English speakers in the manner that it is taught in Turkey. Must is for necessity emergency vital life threatening situations, and have to is used for a suggestion or non urgency situation.
Don't say to lie when you should say lay. To lie is to tell an untruth. To lay is the Turkish Verb sermek and to lie in Turkish is yalan söylemek.
Be careful about translating Turkish verbs they are used in different contexts than in English
Do not confuse or say the two words for an elephant and for a verb in Turkish they look remarkably alike. Fil and Fiil.
Be careful the verb for verb and the noun for elephant are spelt almost identical
Do not say I must for unimportant or non emergency situations in English say instead I should
Sometimes the Turkish suffixes "meli" and "malı" better represent the English must rather than should or have to
Do not say "good job" "smashing job" "you deserve a medal" or any other English idiom or expression instead say "Kolay gelsin" kolay = easy gel+sin = come to you. The third person the other person.
Do not say English Idioms simply say "rica ederim" it is enough in Turkish. Turks will like taxi drivers hotel stuff will respond with this phrase it is Turkish and it is natural.
Do not say you are welcome anytime no problem etc.
It is more natural to thank somebody to simply say "Rica ederim" = you are welcome. This is sufficient in Turkish.
Rica ederim is enough in Turkish. do not add in extra like in English
Don't say "çok güzelsin" to your doctor simply say. Teşukkur ederim. Thank You (My thanks I give)
Be careful about using the word güzel to your doctor or lawyer.
Do not confuse "büyuk" "Buçuk" Buyuk means big large, gigantic enormous. Buçuk means half but for time telling: half past three üc buçukta.
Be careful with the two similar sounding Turkish words büyuk and bücuk.
Do not pronounce this letter I like an English I or the capitalised English i. It is a separate different Turkish letter. Say similar to a German ü sound.
Do not think the Turkish letter ı is like an English capitalised letter I
Onme (bende) to mean on my person or (I will pay for this) On me =
Kahve benden, merak etme.
(Don't worry the coffee is on me.)
(ben+den from me) (not on me like in English)
This Next Section of the website highlights the problems with translating Turkish to English
