kanka
/ˈkan.ka/
In Turkish, "bro" can be translated as kanka.
The term kanka is a common slang term used primarily among close friends to mean "bro" or "bestie".
Meaning: male comrade or friend, one who shares one’s ideals (noun)
Which one should you use?
While kanka is gender-neutral in modern slang, it is most frequently used between male friends or among female friends to mean "bestie". The form kankiş is a more playful, cutesy or highly informal version of kanka.
How does it change in a sentence?
To say "my bro", you can add the first-person singular possessive suffix -ım to the word, resulting in kankam.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is /ˈkan.ka/. The first syllable is stressed. The k sound is like the [c] in "core" and the n sound is like the [n] in "not".
Did you know?
- Although it sounds like a modern slang term, kanka might have roots in the Romani language, where it also means 'friend'.
- The word kanka can be used ironically to address a stranger or an acquaintance when trying to build immediate rapport.
- In Turkish culture, calling someone kanka signals a level of intimacy where social formalities and polite distance are completely dropped.
Examples in context
- Abi, bugün futbol maçına gidiyoruz.Bro, we are going to a soccer match today.
- Ne yapıyorsun, kardeşim? Buluşalım mı?What are you up to, bro? Shall we meet up?
- Nasılsın, dostum? Biraz zaman geçirmek ister misin?How are you, bro? Would you like to spend some time together?
- Naber kanka?What's up, bro?
- O benim en yakın kankamdı.He was my closest bro.
- Kanka, bugün çok yorgunum.Bro, I am very tired today.
Example conversation
Two friends are meeting at a cafe.
- BurakSelam kanka, nasılsın?Hey bro, how are you?
- Merveİyiyim Burak, sen nasılsın?I'm good Burak, how are you?
- BurakBen de iyiyim, sağ ol.I am good too, thanks.
- MerveGeldin diye çok sevindim.I am so glad you came.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “bro” translations and entries kanka, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries kanka, CC BY-SA 4.0.
