What does it mean word for word?
The word gözlük is a compound of göz, meaning 'eye' and the suffix -lük, which is used to form nouns denoting tools or objects related to a noun. Literally, it means 'eye-tool'.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Gözlücük is an affectionate and informal word for glasses.
How does it change in a sentence?
Unlike English, you use the singular gözlük to refer to one pair of glasses. To indicate the act of wearing them, use the verb takmak (to attach/fasten) rather than giymek (to wear clothes).
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /ɟœz.lyc/. The first sound is like the [g] in 'argue', the second is like the [z] in 'zone' and the final sound is like the [k] in 'skew'.
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly use the plural form gözlükler when referring to a single pair of glasses. Instead, use the singular gözlük to refer to one pair.
Did you know?
- The word göz for 'eye' is also used in Turkish to describe 'compartments' or 'pockets' in a bag, treating them as 'eyes' of the object.
- In Turkish, the suffix -lük used in gözlük can also transform a noun into a container. For example, tuz is 'salt' and tuzluk is 'salt shaker'.
- The verb takmak used for wearing gözlük also means 'to pin' or 'to attach'. It is the same word used for putting on jewelry or earrings.
Examples in context
- Bu gözlük senin mi?Are these glasses yours?This sentence is useful for asking about ownership of a pair of gözlük.Tatoeba #6919207 by duran, translation #6912406 by CK
- Tom gözlük takar mı?Does Tom wear glasses?This sentence is useful for asking if someone wears gözlük.Tatoeba #4181182 by duran, translation #3368200 by CK
- O, kalın gözlük takar.He wears thick glasses.This sentence is useful for describing someone who wears thick gözlük.Tatoeba #1449792 by duran, translation #296251 by CK
- Gözlüğünüz çok güzel görünüyor.Your glasses look very nice.
- Gözlüğümü kaybettim.I lost my glasses.
- Bugün gözlük takmak istemiyorum.I don't want to wear glasses today.
- Güneş gözlüğümü kaybettim.I lost my sunglasses.
- 252 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Merve is looking for her eyewear at home.
- CanMerve, gözlüklerini buldun mu?Merve, did you find your glasses?
- MerveHayır Can, onları göremiyorum.No Can, I can't see them.
- CanMutfak masasında duruyorlar.They are sitting on the kitchen table.
- MerveTamam, teşekkür ederim.Okay, thank you.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry gözlük, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
