Ways to say it
| Turkish | IPA |
|---|---|
| biraz | /biɾaz/ (from spelling rules) |
| çok az | /t͡ʃok az/ (from spelling rules) |
| azıcık | /ˈa.zɯ.d͡ʒɯk/ |
| az | /ˈaz/ |
Biraz is used to express a small extent or degree. It functions as both an adverb, modifying adjectives or verbs and as a determiner that modifies nouns to mean "some" or "a little bit of".
Which one should you use?
The various forms available allow you to adjust the nuance of the amount being described. Biraz is used for a neutral or positive small amount (a little/some), whereas az means "little" or "few" and often carries a negative connotation of insufficiency. To emphasize that an amount is extremely small or insufficient, use çok az (very little). For a more colloquial and endearing tone, you can use the diminutive azıcık, which translates to "a tiny bit".
How does it change in a sentence?
When biraz is used as an adverb to modify an adjective, such as in the phrase biraz sıcak (a little hot), it remains unchanged.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is /biɾaz/. The sound is like the 'b' in a[b]out, the 'i' in cr[ee]k, the 'r' in AmE a[t]om and the 'z' in [z]one.
Did you know?
- In Turkish, the phrase biraz can be used to politely deflect a direct question or soften a criticism, acting as a linguistic cushion.
- The word biraz is a compound formed from bir meaning 'one' and az meaning 'little'.
- The diminutive suffix in azıcık functions similarly to how English speakers add 'y' to words, like 'doggy', to express smallness or affection.
Examples in context
- O su biraz tuzlu.That water is a little salty.This sentence is useful for describing how salty the water is using biraz.Tatoeba #5101413 by duran, translation #5096486 by Airvian
- Tom biraz su içti.Tom drank a little water.This sentence is useful for showing how much water Tom drank using biraz.Tatoeba #2781423 by Gulo_Luscus, translation #6857060 by CK
- Bu biraz daha zor.This one's a little harder.This sentence is useful for comparing the difficulty of two things using biraz.Tatoeba #4347744 by duran, translation #3168134 by CK
- Biraz yanlış anladım.I misunderstood a little.
- Biraz bekleyebilir misiniz?Can you wait a little?
- Biraz daha zamana ihtiyacım var.I need a little more time.
- Az para kazandım.I earned a little money.
- Az daha bekle, hemen oradayım.Wait a little more, I'm almost there.
- Oyunda biraz daha azimli olmalısın.You should be a little more determined in the game.
- Yemekte biraz daha tuz kullanmalısın.You should use a little more salt in the meal.
- Çaydan biraz daha demli istiyorum.I want the tea a little stronger.
- Çok güzelsin, azcık daha gülümse.You're beautiful, smile a little more.
- 2263 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Can and Selin are discussing their fatigue after a long walk.
- CanÇok yoruldun mu Selin?Are you very tired, Selin?
- SelinEvet, biraz yorgunum.Yes, I am a little tired.
- CanŞurada biraz dinlenelim mi?Shall we rest a little over there?
- SelinHarika bir fikir, Can.That is a great idea, Can.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “a little” translations and entries biraz, azıcık, az, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Turkish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries az, azıcık, biraz, çok, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
