kapı
/kɑˈpɯ/
The Turkish word for door is kapı.
kapı refers to a portal of entry into a building, a room or a vehicle.
Meaning: portal of entry into a building, room or vehicle (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
The word changes depending on its role in a sentence. The plural form is kapılar. Use kapıyı (accusative case) when the door is the specific direct object of an action, such as opening it. Use kapının (genitive case) to indicate possession or a relationship, such as something belonging to the door. Use kapıda (locative case) to indicate being at or on the door.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is /kɑˈpɯ/. The /k/ sound is like the [c] in core, the /p/ sound is like the [p] in pan and the /ɯ/ sound is somewhat like the [o] in ribbon.
Did you know?
- In the Ottoman Empire, the word kapı was used as a metonym for the government or the Sultan's authority. The phrase Bab-ı Ali, meaning 'the High Gate', referred specifically to the central government administration.
- The root of kapı is found in languages as far away as the Altai mountains, appearing in words like 'kabu' which refers to a fishing net.
- In Turkish culture, the 'door' of a home is often viewed as a symbolic boundary between the public and private worlds, leading to specific social etiquettes regarding who is allowed to cross the threshold.
Examples in context
- Bu kapı tek çıkış.This door is the only exit.This sentence illustrates the use of kapı to identify an exit.Tatoeba #6116009 by duran, translation #6115902 by CK
- Tom kapıyı açtı mı?Did Tom open the door?This sentence demonstrates the use of kapı as a direct object when being opened.Tatoeba #3635121 by duran, translation #3426165 by CK
- Neden bu kapı açık?Why is this door open?This sentence shows how to ask about the state of a kapı.Tatoeba #4151667 by duran, translation #3413046 by CK
- Lütfen, kapıyı açar mısınız?Please, can you open the door?
- Kapıyı kilitlemeyi unuttum.I forgot to lock the door.
- Kapı çok ağır, yardım edebilir misiniz?The door is very heavy, can you help?
- 2223 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Emre and Elif are entering a room.
- EmreKapı kilitli mi, Elif?Is the door locked, Elif?
- ElifHayır, kapı açık.No, the door is open.
- EmreTamam, kapıyı yavaşça açıyorum.Okay, I am opening the door slowly.
- ElifLütfen kapıyı kapatmayı unutma.Please don't forget to close the door.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “door” translations and entries kapı, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries kapı, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
