tamam
/tɑˈmɑm/
The English phrase "alright" is translated into Turkish as tamam.
Tamam is the most common and versatile word used in Turkish to express agreement or to confirm that something is acceptable. While it is primarily used as an interjection meaning "alright", it can also serve as the root for verbs meaning "to complete" or "to finish".
Which one should you use?
Tamam provides a neutral way to express agreement. In contrast, the word peki is often used as a more formal or slightly more resigned way to say "alright" or "very well" in response to a statement made by someone else.
How does it change in a sentence?
In its most common use, tamam functions as an interjection. However, it can also act as a root for verbs that mean to complete or finish something, such as the form tamamlar (completes/finishes).
How do you pronounce it?
/tɑˈmɑm/. The /m/ sound is like the [m] in "much".
Did you know?
- The root tamam is used in the phrase tamam mı? to ask 'is that clear?' or 'do we have a deal?', turning a statement of agreement into a confirmation of authority.
- The word tamam is derived from the Arabic word for 'completion' or 'perfection', which is why it is also used in Turkish to describe something that is full or finished.
- While tamam is neutral, using peki in a relationship can sometimes signal a 'passive-aggressive' agreement, implying the speaker is conceding but is not actually happy about it.
Examples in context
- Tamam, görüşürüz o zaman.Alright, see you then.This sentence shows how to use tamam when saying goodbye.Tatoeba #4753078 by deyta, translation #4638671 by hito
- Tamam, anne, bunu anlıyorum!Alright, mom, I get it!This sentence shows how to use tamam when expressing understanding to a parent.Tatoeba #5260854 by deyta, translation #3246686 by Hybrid
- "Üzgünüm efendim." "Tamam, ama tekrar yok""I'm sorry, sir." "Alright. But no repeats."This sentence shows how to use tamam when accepting an apology while setting a condition.Tatoeba #5829580 by duran, translation #5828324 by OsoHombre
- 4 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Zeynep and Emre are deciding on a place for dinner.
- ZeynepBu akşam İtalyan restoranına gidelim mi?Shall we go to the Italian restaurant tonight?
- EmreTamam, bana uyar.Alright, that works for me.
- ZeynepSeni saat yedide kapıda bekliyorum.I will wait for you at the door at seven.
- EmreTamam, orada olacağım.Alright, I will be there.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry tamam, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries tamam, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
