What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is a passive construction where nasıl means "how" and söylenir is the passive form of the verb söylemek (to say or tell), so it literally means "how is it said".
Is it said differently in some regions?
In some regions, people may use Nasıl denir? instead of the form provided here to convey the same meaning.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase uses the passive voice (söylenir) rather than the active voice to make a general inquiry about the correct expression. If you use the continuous form nasıl söyleniyor, the nuance shifts slightly toward asking how a word is currently being pronounced or used in the present moment.
How do you pronounce it?
To pronounce nasıl söylenir, use the following sounds: [n] as in [n]ot, [s] as in [s]end, [ɯ] somewhat like ribb[o]n, [j] as in [y]es, [i] as in cr[ee]k and [ɾ] as in AmE a[t]om.
Did you know?
- The word nasıl is actually a combination of two words, ne meaning 'what' and asıl meaning 'original' or 'real'.
- Turkish is an agglutinative language, meaning the passive meaning in söylenir is created by adding suffixes to the root rather than using a separate helper verb like 'is'.
- In Turkish, the word nasıl can also be used as an exclamation of disbelief, similar to 'How could this be!' in English.
Examples in context
- O nasıl söylenir bilmiyorum.I don't know how to say it.This sentence is useful for expressing that you do not know how to say something using nasıl söylenir.Tatoeba #3435233 by deyta, translation #539554 by tomkun01
- Senin dilinde "elma" nasıl söylenir?How to say "apple" in your language?This sentence is useful for asking how the word "elma" is said in another language using nasıl söylenir.Tatoeba #5501209 by deyta, translation #1513856 by gleki
- Sizin dilinizde bu cümle nasıl söylenir?How to say this sentence in your language?This sentence is useful for asking how a specific sentence is said in another language using nasıl söylenir.Tatoeba #3461622 by deyta, translation #1774800 by Amastan
- Bunu işaret ederek nasıl söylerim?How do I say this while pointing at the object?
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Merve and Burak are studying together in a cafe.
- MerveTürkçede "teşekkür ederim" nasıl söylenir?How to say "thank you" in Turkish?
- BurakZaten söyledin, çok iyi söyledin!You already said it, you said it very well!
- MervePeki, "lütfen" nasıl söylenir?Okay, how to say "please"?
- BurakSadece "lütfen" demen yeterli.Just saying "lütfen" is enough.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Turkish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries nasıl, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
