Ways to say it
| Turkish | IPA |
|---|---|
| aptal | /apˈtaɫ/ |
| salak | /salak/ (from spelling rules) |
| ahmak | /ahmak/ (from spelling rules) |
| geri zekâlı | /ɟeɾi zecaːlɯ/ (from spelling rules) |
| bön | /bœn/ |
| avanak | /avanak/ (from spelling rules) |
| andaval | /andaval/ (from spelling rules) |
These terms are used to describe a person of low general intelligence. The word aptal can function as both a noun, meaning 'an idiot' and as an adjective, meaning 'an idiotic person'. You can use the phrase tam bir aptal to mean 'a complete idiot' or 'a total idiot'. Additionally, the phrase aptalca davranmak is used to express the idea of acting foolishly.
Which one should you use?
While many of these words describe a lack of intelligence, they carry different nuances. Aptal is a general term for an idiot. In contrast, salak is often used more colloquially and can sometimes be used among friends in a teasing way. Ahmak is a more literary or formal way to say 'fool' or 'unwise person'. Finally, geri zekâlı is a more clinical-sounding term that is highly offensive, as it implies intellectual disability.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation of aptal is /apˈtaɫ/. The 'p' sound is like the [p] in the English word 'pan.
Did you know?
- The word aptal is a doublet of abdal, a term used in Sufism to describe a high rank of saints who have reached a state of divine simplicity.
- Turkish has a wide range of words for 'idiot' that distinguish between being naturally slow aptal, clumsy avanak, or blank-faced bön.
Examples in context
- O bir aptal değil.He's not an idiot.This sentence is useful for showing a negation of the word aptal.Tatoeba #1062823 by duran, translation #840139 by papabear
- Tom tam bir aptal.Tom is a total idiot.This sentence shows how to use the phrase 'tam bir' with aptal to mean a total idiot.Tatoeba #2976434 by soliloquist, translation #2957031 by CK
- Sami tam bir aptal.Sami is a complete idiot.This sentence demonstrates the use of 'tam bir' to describe someone as a complete idiot using aptal.Tatoeba #6718874 by deyta, translation #6717510 by OsoHombre
- 175 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Selin and Mehmet are discussing a bad decision made by a friend.
- SelinBuna inandığına inanamıyorum, ne aptal!I can't believe he believed this, what an idiot!
- MehmetEvet, gerçekten çok saf biri.Yes, he is a really naive person.
- SelinSadece saf değil, tam bir aptal.He's not just naive, he's a complete idiot.
- MehmetHaklısın Selin, çok büyük bir hata yaptı.You're right Selin, he made a huge mistake.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “idiot” translations and entries aptal, salak, ahmak, bön, avanak, andaval, 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 ahmak, aptal, geri, salak, zekâlı, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
