kapatmak
/kapatmak/from spelling rules
In Turkish, the verb 'close' is translated as kapatmak. Wiktionary also lists örtmek.
Meaning: move (a door) (verb)
Ways to say it
| Turkish | IPA |
|---|---|
| kapatmak | /kapatmak/ (from spelling rules) |
| örtmek | /øɾtˈmec/ |
kapatmak is used for closing things that have a mechanism or a defined boundary. This includes closing doors, windows, eyes, electronic devices or businesses.
Which one should you use?
kapatmak is the standard word for closing a door or a shop. In contrast, örtmek is used when the action involves covering something up, such as closing a window with a curtain or covering a surface with a cloth.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is /kapatmak/. The /k/ sound is like the [c] in core, the /p/ sound is like the [p] in pan and the /m/ sound is like the [m] in much.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Do not use the verb kapatmak when you mean the adjective 'close' in the sense of 'near'. In those cases, you must use yakın.
Did you know?
- Turkish speakers use kapatmak to describe hanging up the phone, reflecting the era when phone receivers had to be physically closed onto a cradle.
- The phrase örtbas etmek, which means to cover up a scandal or a crime, is derived from the root of örtmek.
- The word kapatmak is an extension of the simpler verb kapamak, with the added letter 't' making the action more causative or intentional.
Examples in context
- Sami kapıyı kapatmak istedi.Sami wanted to close the door.This sentence shows how to express a desire to close the door using kapatmak.Tatoeba #6779372 by deyta, translation #6706098 by OsoHombre
- Onların işi mağazayı kapatmak.Their job is to close the store.This sentence demonstrates the use of kapatmak regarding a business.Tatoeba #4784463 by duran, translation #1771388 by Amastan
- Sadece gözlerini kapatmak zorundasın.You have only to close your eyes.This sentence uses kapatmak in the context of closing one's eyes.Tatoeba #1051227 by duran, translation #237611 by anjin
- İş yeri yakın mı?Is the office close by?
- Banka öğleden sonra kapalıdır.The bank is closed in the afternoon.
- Şu market yakın mı?Is that market close by?
- 16 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Can and Selin are in a room and it is getting cold.
- CanSelin, lütfen pencereyi kapatmak ister misin?Selin, would you like to close the window, please?
- SelinTabii, hemen kapatıyorum.Of course, I am closing it right now.
- CanTeşekkürler, dışarısı çok soğuk.Thanks, it is very cold outside.
- SelinHaklısın, kapıyı da kapatmak lazım.You are right, the door needs to be closed too.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “close” translations and entries kapatmak, örtmek, 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.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries kapatmak, örtmek, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
