yalancı
/ja.lan.ˈd͡ʒɯ/
The English phrase "liar" is translated into Turkish as yalancı.
Yalancı is a noun used to describe one who tells lies.
Meaning: one who tells lies (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is formed from the noun yalan (lie) and the suffix -cı, which denotes a person who performs a specific action or is associated with a specific thing.
How does it change in a sentence?
To make the word plural, add the suffix -lar to the root to get yalancılar. You can also add the suffix -mış to create yalancıymış, which means "apparently a liar". This indicates that the speaker is reporting a lie they heard from someone else or realized through indirect evidence.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 3 syllables, with the stress on the 3rd syllable. The sounds are as follows: /j/ is like the [y] in "yes", /n/ is like the [n] in "not", /dʒ/ is like the [j] in "jump" and /ɯ/ is somewhat like the [o] in "ribbon".
Did you know?
- The word yalancı can be used colloquially to describe something that is 'fake' or 'unreliable', such as a 'yalancı bahar' which refers to an unseasonable, deceptive spring.
- The suffix -cı in yalancı is the same one used to name professions, such as simitçi for a sesame bread seller. This implies that lying is treated as a professional occupation for the person being described.
- Turkish uses the word yalan in the idiom yalan dünya to describe the 'lie' of the world. It expresses the philosophical view that earthly life is an illusion or a deception.
Examples in context
- O iyi bir yalancı.She's a good liar.This sentence is useful for saying someone is a good liar using yalancı.Tatoeba #2034728 by duran, translation #1671925 by Spamster
- O pis bir yalancı.He's a filthy liar.This sentence is useful for saying someone is a filthy liar using yalancı.Tatoeba #2040574 by duran, translation #1943949 by Spamster
- İyi bir yalancı o.She is a good liar.Tatoeba #4128127 by tornado, translation #4126621 by Ooneykcall
- O, bir yalancıdır.He is a liar.
- 164 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Mehmet and Zeynep are discussing a former friend's behavior.
- MehmetO her zaman bir yalancıydı.He was always a liar.
- ZeynepBuna inanacak mısın?Are you going to believe this?
- MehmetHayır, ona hiç güvenmiyorum.No, I don't trust him at all.
- ZeynepHaklısın, o bir yalancı.You are right, he is a liar.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “liar” translations and entries yalancı, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
