kanka
/ˈkan.ka/
The Turkish word for buddy is kanka.
kanka is a popular term used to mean buddy or pal. You can use it as a noun to refer to a person, or as a direct address when speaking to them.
Meaning: friend or casual acquaintance (pron)
Which one should you use?
While arkadaş is the standard and more neutral word for a friend, kanka is specifically used for very close or casual buddy-style relationships. Other options include dostum for buddy, yoldaşım for a companion or comrade and canım dostum for my dear friend.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
kanka is an informal slang term used primarily among young people or close friends. In certain parts of Turkey, abiciğim may be used to refer to a buddy.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In some parts of Turkey, abiciğim can be used to refer to a buddy.
How does it change in a sentence?
To say "my buddy," you can add the suffix -m to the word to form kankam.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has two syllables: /ˈkan.ka/. The stress is on the first syllable. The k sound is like the [c] in core, and the n sound is like the [n] in not.
Did you know?
- The term kanka might actually be a shortened version of the Turkish word kankardeş, which means 'blood brother'.
- In Turkish, calling someone kanka can sometimes be used ironically to create distance or mock a fake friendship.
- The word yoldaşım is a specific type of 'buddy' that implies you are traveling through life together, literally meaning 'my fellow traveler' or 'comrade'.
Examples in context
- Neden kankam bir geri zekalı?Why is my buddy an idiot?This example shows how to use the word kanka when referring to a person.Tatoeba #4877923 by deyta, translation #3633908 by mingzhouren
- Teşekkürler kanka!Thanks, buddy!This example shows how to use kanka as a direct address.Tatoeba #4882539 by dursun, translation #2730963 by Hybrid
- Tom benim kankamdı.Tom was my buddy.This example shows the possessive form of kanka.Tatoeba #5145207 by duran, translation #5144950 by CK
- Arkadaşım, bu projede senin fikrin nedir?My friend, what is your opinion on this project?
- Canım dostum, sana bu işte güveniyorumMy dear friend, I trust you in this matter.
- Merhaba dostum, nasılsın?Hello buddy, how are you?
- Kanka, bugün ne yapıyorsun?Hey buddy, what are you doing today?
- Abi, bu işte sana güveniyorumBro, I trust you in this matter.
Example conversation
Two friends are planning to go to a movie.
- MerveNaber kanka, ne yapıyorsun?What's up buddy, what are you doing?
- Burakİyidir, film izlemeye gidiyorum.I'm good, I'm going to watch a movie.
- MerveKanka, birlikte gidelim mi?Buddy, shall we go together?
- BurakTabii ki, harika olur!Of course, that would be great!
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry kanka, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries kanka, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
