Ways to say it
| Turkish | IPA |
|---|---|
| eğer | /ˈe.(j)eɾ/ |
| -sa | /sa/ /se/ |
| ise | /ise/ (from spelling rules) |
| varsayarsak | /vaɾsajaɾsak/ (from spelling rules) |
In Turkish, 'if' is expressed through a standalone conjunction, a suffix or a specific verb form. The conjunction eğer generally comes before the condition and is followed by the consequence. In many sentences, eğer and the suffix -sa/-se are used together for emphasis, although eğer can often be omitted.
Which one should you use?
While eğer is a standalone conjunction, -sa/-se is a suffix that must be attached to a verb or a noun/pronoun via ise.
How does it change in a sentence?
The suffix -sa/-se is the most common way to express 'if' by attaching it directly to a verb. Additionally, varsayarsak is a specific grammatical form meaning 'if we assume'.
How do you pronounce it?
The word eğer is pronounced /ˈe.(j)eɾ/. It has two syllables with the stress on the first syllable. The 'j' sound is like the [y] in [y]es, and the 'r' sound is like the [t] in American English [t]om.
Did you know?
- The word eğer is not native to Turkish but was borrowed from Classical Persian.
- While eğer is used for conditions, the suffix -sa can also be used to express a hopeful wish or a longing, similar to 'if only'.
Examples in context
- X, Y ise Z nedir?If X means Y, what does Z mean?Use of ise.Tatoeba #7835672 by Gulo_Luscus, translation #6380245 by DostKaplan
- Ya Tom gelmez ise?What if Tom doesn't come?Tatoeba #12574984 by omerfarukckmk, translation #9218565 by CK
- Eğer açsan yemek ye.If you're hungry, eat.Use of eğer.Tatoeba #5137424 by duran, translation #5137173 by Joseph
- Eğer yardıma ihtiyacınız olursa sormaktan çekinmeyin.If you need any help, don't hesitate to ask.
- Ben eğer yarın öğle yemeğine katılabilirsem size haber vereceğim.I will let you know if I can join you for lunch tomorrow.
- Ben eğer ki eve erken dönersem, seni arayacağım.I will call you if I come home early.
- 1719 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Mehmet and Merve are discussing their weekend plans.
- MehmetEğer yarın hava güzelse yürüyüş yapalım mı?If the weather is nice tomorrow, shall we go for a walk?
- MerveHarika bir fikir, çok isterim.That is a great idea, I would love to.
- MehmetO zaman sabah erkenden hazır olurum.Then I will be ready early in the morning.
- MerveTamam, ben de hazırlıklı olurum.Okay, I will be prepared too.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “if” translations and entries eğer, -sa, ise, 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 -sa, eğer, ise, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
