Know c, ç, ğ and ı off by heart? Good, now let's move on.
İ
/i/ |
This is the opposite of an I, it's an İ! The lower-case version is a dotted i, just like in English. It's pronounced like the ee in see, but shorter.
For example:
- iyi /iˈji/
- inanç /iˈnɑntʃ/
- iğne /iːˈnɛ/
J
/ʒ/ |
Or je. Pronounced like the s in pleasure, but a more accurate equivalent of it would be the j in the French word, jour. This letter is used in Turkish words of foreign origin.
For example:
- jeton - token
- jilet - razor blade
- jenerik - (film) credits
K
/k/ | ||
/c/ |
Or ke. Pronounced like the c in car generally before a, ı, o and u (back vowels). Before e, i, ö, ü (front vowels) like k in Kate. But of course there some exceptions. In some words of foreign origin, even if the letter comes before a, ı, o and u, it is pronounced like k in Kate. As you will see, Turkish has no Q, and therefore K is used instead of it.
For example:
- kurt - wolf
- kalem - pencil
- kağıt - paper - This word is of foreign origin, and k in this word is pronounced like k in Kate. Notice the pronunciation difference between kalem and kağıt, (listen to the Google Translate pronunciation of these words)
- kahvaltı - breakfast
L
/ɫ/ | ||
/l/ |
Or le. Pronounced l in let (clear l,
- Did you know? In Turkish, words of Turkish origin do not start with the letter l. All words starting with l are of foreign origin.
For example:
- lale (tulip)
listen : This word is of Persian origin. Both ls in this word pronounced like l in let - kol (arm): l in this word is pronounced like l in luck.
- lanet (curse): This word is of Arabic origin. L in this word pronounced like l in let.
M
/m/ |
Or me. Pronounced like the m in man.
For example:
- masa - table
- mutfak - kitchen
- mektup - letter
N
/n/ |
Or ne. Pronounced like the n in now.
For example:
- ne - what
- nane - mint
- namus - honour
O
/o/ |
Pronounced like the o in oh.
For example:
- o - he/she/it
- otobüs - bus
- oda - room
Ö
/ø̞/ |
Pronounced like the eu in the French word seul, or the ö in the German word schön. There is no English equivalent, but the closest one I can think of is the i in bird. The exact pronunciation is made by shaping your lips to say o (as in organ), but saying e (as in bread) instead.
For example:
- öğle - noon
- öğretmen - teacher
- ölçü - measurement
P
/p/ |
Or pe. Pronounced like the p in pet.
For example:
- parça - piece
- peynir - cheese
- para - money
R
/ɾ/ |
Or re. If you're wondering, "Where's Q?", in Turkish there is no letter Q.
This one's simple, just pronounce it like the Spanish and the Italians do (roll the R), but a bit shorter.
For example:
- rahat - peaceful
- rakam - digit
- rakı - Raki (yup, the alcoholic drink)
This time it might be a good idea to learn i, j, and ö off by heart.