olmak
/oɫˈmak/
The Turkish way to say 'are' is olmak.
olmak is the infinitive form of the verb and translates to 'to be' or 'to become'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The infinitive olmak translates to 'to be'. For the specific concept of 'is' or 'are' in formal or written contexts, Turkish often utilizes the suffix -dir or -dır attached to a noun or adjective.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is /oɫˈmak/. The 'm' sound is like the [m] in 'much', and the 'k' sound is like the [c] in 'core'.
Did you know?
- The verb olmak can be used to mean 'to happen', making it the standard way to describe an event occurring.
- While olmak means 'to be', the Turkish word var is used to say 'there is' or 'there are', which is a completely different root.
- The verb 'olmak' can also be used to describe natural processes, such as fruit ripening or a person maturing. It carries a sense of reaching a certain state or stage.
Examples in context
- Âşık olmak için çok gençsin.You are too young to be in love.This sentence uses olmak to express being in love.Tatoeba #1416081 by duran, translation #237648 by CC
- Bir doktor olmak için niteliklisin.You are qualified to be a doctor.This sentence uses olmak to express becoming or being a doctor.Tatoeba #4320358 by duran, translation #582261 by CM
- Yalnız olmak istediğine emin misin?Are you sure you want to be alone?This sentence uses olmak to express the desire to be alone.Tatoeba #4459283 by deyta, translation #2016570 by CK
- Ahmet ve Ayşe masada.Ahmet and Ayşe are at the table.
- Köpekler sevimli.The dogs are cute.
- 41 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Can and Elif are talking about their career goals at a cafe.
- CanGelecekte ne olmak istiyorsun?What do you want to be in the future?
- Elifİyi bir öğretmen olmak istiyorum.I want to be a good teacher.
- CanSen çok sabırlı bir öğretmen olacaksın.You will be a very patient teacher.
- ElifTeşekkürler, çok naziksin.Thanks, you are very kind.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry olmak, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries olmak, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
