zambak
/zambak/from spelling rules
The English word "lily" is zambak in Turkish.
zambak refers to the flower in the genus Lilium.
Meaning: flower in the genus Lilium (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
To say "lilies", use the plural form zambaklar.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is /zambak/. The [z] sound is like the [z] in [z]one, the [m] is like the [m] in [m]uch, the [b] is like the [b] in a[b]out and the [k] is like the [k] in [c]ore.
Did you know?
- The word zambak shares a surprising ancient ancestor with the Sanskrit word campaka, which refers to a fragrant flower.
- Although zambak is the standard term for the lily, in many Turkish gardens you might find the 'lily of the valley' called müge, a name borrowed from French.
- In Turkish literature and poetry, zambak is frequently used as a metaphor for a pale or fair complexion, comparing the skin to a white lily petal.
Examples in context
- Bir zambak Fransız krallarının amblemiydi.A lily was the emblem of French Kings.This sentence shows how zambak was used as an emblem for French Kings.Tatoeba #5252949 by deyta, translation #3544505 by uxintro
- Mary'ye benim için bir zambak çiçeği gönderir misin?Could you send Mary a lily for me?This sentence is useful for asking someone to send a zambak to Mary.Tatoeba #3981887 by duran, translation #3282911 by AlanF_US
- Onun kız kardeşi Joanna parlak ve bir zambak gibi ince.Her sister Joanna was bright and slender as a lily.This sentence uses zambak in a comparison to describe someone as slender.Tatoeba #5537207 by duran, translation #2674679 by Hybrid
- Zambak, bahar mevsiminde en güzel çiçeklerden biridir.The lily is one of the most beautiful flowers in the spring season.
- Arkadaşım, bahçende harika bir zambak var!My friend, you have a wonderful lily in your garden!
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Can and Zeynep are looking at plants in a garden center.
- CanBu beyaz zambak çok güzel görünüyor.This white lily looks very beautiful.
- ZeynepEvet, zambak kokusu da harika.Yes, the smell of the lily is also wonderful.
- CanZeynep, bir tane alalım mı?Zeynep, shall we buy one?
- ZeynepOlur, eve götürelim.Okay, let's take it home.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “lily” translations and entries zambak, 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 zambak, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
