Ways to say it
| Turkish | IPA |
|---|---|
| zevk almak | /zevk almak/ (from spelling rules) |
| haz almak | /haz almak/ (from spelling rules) |
| eylenmek | /ejlenmec/ (from spelling rules) |
| eğlenmek | /eːlænˈmec/ |
The term for 'enjoy' varies depending on whether you are describing the internal sensation of pleasure or the act of having fun. Eğlenmek is used specifically to mean having fun or enjoying an activity. Zevk almak focuses on the internal sensation of pleasure derived from something, while haz almak is a more formal or literary way to describe deriving a deep or sensory pleasure.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase zevk almak is a compound verb where zevk means pleasure and almak means to take.
Which one should you use?
While zevk almak focuses on the feeling of pleasure, eğlenmek is used for the act of having fun or enjoying oneself. For more formal or literary contexts involving deep or sensory pleasure, use haz almak.
How does it change in a sentence?
Unlike the English 'enjoy something', which requires an object, eğlenmek is an intransitive verb and does not take a direct object.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is /zevk almak/. The /z/ sound is like the [z] in zone, /v/ is like the [v] in vase, /k/ is like the [c] in core and /m/ is like the [m] in much.
When do people say it?
To wish someone an enjoyable experience, you can say Keyifli olsun!, which means 'May it be enjoyable!'
Did you know?
- The Turkish word eğlenmek for having fun was borrowed into Greek as glentáo, which describes partying and celebrating.
- While English uses 'enjoy' for almost everything, Turkish speakers often use tadını çıkarmak, which literally means 'to take out the taste', to describe savoring a moment.
- Turkish has a specific word keyif for a type of relaxed and leisurely pleasure that does not have a single direct equivalent in English.
Examples in context
- Eğlenmek için buraya geldik.We came here to enjoy ourselves.This sentence shows using eğlenmek to express coming to a place for the purpose of having fun.Tatoeba #1586113 by duran, translation #1439970 by CK
- Eğlenmek için zaman ayıramayacak kadar çok meşgulüm.I'm too busy to have time to enjoy myself.This sentence uses eğlenmek to describe being too busy to find time for fun.Tatoeba #1725235 by duran, translation #321192 by CK
- Herkes yatakta kalmamı öneriyor fakat ben dışarı çıkmak ve eğlenmek istiyorum.Everyone suggests that I stay in bed, but I want to go out and enjoy myself.This sentence uses eğlenmek to express a desire to go out and enjoy oneself instead of staying in bed.Tatoeba #2815820 by duran, translation #1270768 by marcelostockle
- Keyifli bir akşam yemeği dilerim.I wish you a delightful dinner.
- Lütfen seyahatinizin keyfini çıkarın.Please enjoy your trip.
- Toplantıda keyifli dakikalar geçirmenizi umuyorum.I hope you have enjoyable moments in the meeting.
- Tatilin keyfini sürebildin mi?Did you enjoy your vacation?
- Tabiat yürüyüşünde doğayla bütünleşerek zevk aldım.I enjoyed connecting with nature during the hike.
- Resim yapmaktan büyük bir keyif alıyorum.I take great pleasure in painting.
- keyifli bir öğrenme süreci dilerim!I wish you an enjoyable learning process!
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Can and Zeynep are visiting an art gallery.
- CanBu tablolardan zevk alıyor musun?Do you enjoy these paintings?
- ZeynepEvet, renkleri çok etkileyici.Yes, the colors are very impressive.
- CanBen de sanattan zevk almak için buradayım.I am here to enjoy art too.
- ZeynepGerçekten harika bir gün oldu.It has really been a wonderful day.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “enjoy” translations and entries eğlenmek, 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 almak, eğlenmek, haz, zevk, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
