Learning how to say “call” in a foreign language is always useful, especially when you’re traveling or trying to communicate with Turkish speakers. In Turkish, the word for “call” has different variations depending on the formality and context of the conversation. In this guide, we’ll explore the formal and informal ways of saying “call” in Turkish, along with some regional variations. Let’s dive right in!
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Formal Ways of Saying “Call” in Turkish:
When you need to use a formal and respectful language to address someone, these are the appropriate ways to say “call” in Turkish:
1. Aramak
The most common and versatile word for “call” in Turkish is “aramak.” It can be used in various contexts and situations, both in spoken and written language. For example:
“Müşteri hizmetlerini arayabilir miyim?” (Can I call customer service?)
“Dosyaları arayacağım.” (I will call the files.)
Remember that this is the standard and formal way to say “call” in Turkish, and it is commonly used in both professional and casual settings.
2. Telefon etmek
Another suitable formal term for “call” in Turkish is “telefon etmek.” This phrase is more specific to phone calls and is widely used in formal situations. Here are a couple of examples:
“Şirketinizi telefon etmek istiyorum.” (I want to call your company.)
“Müşterileri telefon etmeyi unutmayın.” (Don’t forget to call the clients.)
Using “telefon etmek” can give your speech a more polished and respectful tone when addressing someone formally. Now, let’s explore the informal ways of saying “call” in Turkish.
Informal Ways of Saying “Call” in Turkish:
When you’re speaking with friends, family, or peers in a casual setting, you can use these less formal phrases to say “call” in Turkish:
1. Çağırmak
“Çağırmak” is a commonly used informal term for “call” in Turkish. It’s often used among friends and acquaintances. Here are a few examples:
“Beni yarın telefonda çağır.” (Call me tomorrow on the phone.)
“Hemen onu çağır!” (Call him/her immediately!)
Note that although “çağırmak” literally means “to call,” it is more commonly used to invite someone or ask for someone’s presence. However, it can still be used in casual phone call contexts.
2. Aramak (Casual Usage)
While “aramak” is generally used in formal settings, it is worth mentioning that it can also be used informally. In casual conversations, especially among younger people, “aramak” can be employed without any issues. Here’s an example:
“Sana hemen ararım.” (I’ll call you right away.)
Using “aramak” in informal situations adds a touch of politeness and respect to your speech without sounding overly formal.
Regional Variations:
The Turkish language has some regional variations in terms of vocabulary and pronunciation. When it comes to the word “call,” the formal and informal ways mentioned above are widely understood and accepted throughout Turkey. However, depending on the region, you may encounter a few local variations. Here are a couple of examples:
1. Telefonya
In some regions of Turkey, particularly in rural areas, you may come across the term “telefonya” as a more colloquial way of saying “call.” It is a combination of the Turkish word for “telephone” (telefon) and the suffix “-ya,” which implies an action. For instance:
“Telefonya edeceğim.” (I will call on the phone.)
While this variation is not as widely recognized as the standard terms, people will understand what you mean if you come across it during your travels.
2. Araç etmek
In some areas, particularly in Anatolia, people might use the term “araç etmek” to mean “call” in a more colloquial way. However, it’s worth mentioning that this variation is less common and may not be widely understood in all regions of Turkey. An example usage could be:
“Hemen gel, seni araç ediyorum!” (Come quickly, I’m calling you!)
It’s always a good idea to stick to the standard forms mentioned earlier to ensure proper understanding, especially if you’re not familiar with the local variations.
Wrapping Up
In conclusion, the formal and informal ways of saying “call” in Turkish are:
- Formal: Aramak, Telefon etmek
- Informal: Çağırmak, Aramak (Casual Usage)
If you keep these words and phrases in mind, you’ll be able to confidently communicate your intentions in Turkish when making a phone call or discussing calling someone. Remember, the key to language proficiency is practice, so don’t hesitate to use these words in real-life situations. Happy calling!
