ayı
/ajɯ/from spelling rules
The English word bear (the large mammal) is ayı in Turkish.
The word ayı refers to the large mammal of the family Ursidae.
Meaning: large mammal of family Ursidae (noun)
Which one should you use?
You might use ayıcık to convey a sense of cuteness or affection.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
To express the plural, use ayılar. If the bear is the direct object of a sentence, the form changes to ayıyı.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is /ajɯ/. The /j/ sound is like the [y] in [y]es, and the /ɯ/ sound is somewhat like the [o] in ribb[o]n.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Do not confuse the noun ayı with the verbs katlanmak (to bear or tolerate) or taşımak (to bear or carry). These are completely different words in Turkish.
Did you know?
- In Turkish slang, calling someone an ayı does not just mean they are bear-like, but specifically that they are clumsy, rude or lack social graces.
- In traditional Turkish folklore, the bear is often depicted as a creature with human-like intelligence that can occasionally speak or trick people.
- The term ayı gibi (like a bear) is often used to describe someone with a massive appetite or someone who eats greedily.
Examples in context
- O bir ayı mı?Is that a bear?This sentence is useful for asking if something is a bear using ayı.Tatoeba #6005945 by deyta, translation #6005628 by mailohilohi
- Ayı bir elma yedi.The bear ate an apple.This sentence shows how to describe an action performed by a bear using ayı.Tatoeba #4534080 by maydoo, translation #2975876 by KiwiCreme
- Ben ayı kadar açım.I'm as hungry as a bear.This sentence demonstrates a common comparison involving a bear using ayı.Tatoeba #1278217 by duran, translation #37857 by CK
- Bak, o ayıya bak!Look at that bear!
- Kutup ayıları çok etkileyici hayvanlardır.Polar bears are fascinating animals.
- 132 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Can and Zeynep are watching a nature documentary on TV.
- CanBak, orada bir ayı var!Look, there is a bear there!
- ZeynepGerçekten çok büyük bir ayı.It is truly a very large bear.
- CanAyı çok hızlı hareket ediyor.The bear is moving very fast.
- ZeynepEvet, doğadaki ayılar çok güçlüdür.Yes, bears in nature are very strong.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “bear” translations and entries ayı, 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.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
