hayır
/ˈhɑ.jɯɾ/
In Turkish, there are different ways to say 'no' depending on whether you are disagreeing with a statement or stating that something does not exist. hayır. Wiktionary also lists yok.
Meaning: used to show disagreement or negation (particle)
Ways to say it
| Turkish | IPA |
|---|---|
| hayır | /ˈhɑ.jɯɾ/ (standard) |
| yok | /ˈjok/ /ˈjoː/ (colloquial) |
The word hayır is used to express disagreement or to answer a yes/no question with a negative response. In contrast, yok is used to indicate the non-existence or absence of something, meaning 'there is no' or 'there are no'. Both terms can also function as nouns meaning 'a negating expression'.
Which one should you use?
Use hayır for disagreement or to answer questions with 'no'. Use yok to indicate that something is not present or available, such as saying 'there is no hot water'.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
The word hayır has two syllables and the stress is on the first syllable. The sounds are: [h] as in [h]ome, [y] as in [y]es, [ɯ] somewhat like ribb[o]n and [ɾ] as in the American English pronunciation of a[t]om.
Did you know?
- In Turkey, people often say 'no' by slightly tilting their head backward and clicking their tongue once, sometimes without saying a word.
- While hayır means 'no', it is etymologically rooted in the Arabic word for 'goodness' or 'wellbeing'.
- While hayır is the standard word for 'no', the word yok is actually more common in daily spoken Turkish conversation.
Examples in context
- O bir hayır mı?Is that a no?This sentence is useful for asking if a response is a 'no' using hayır.Tatoeba #4547190 by duran, translation #2549769 by CK
- Oh hayır, bu o!Oh no, it's him!This sentence shows how to use hayır to express a negative reaction.Tatoeba #5088149 by duran, translation #4381905 by Hybrid
- Hiç sıcak su yok.There's no hot water.This sentence demonstrates using yok to indicate the absence of something.Tatoeba #4431921 by duran, translation #2217696 by Hybrid
- Teşekkür ederim, ama şu anda vaktim yok.Thank you, but I don't have time right now.
- Anladığım kadarıyla, benim yardımıma ihtiyacınız yok.From what I understand, you don't need my help.
- 4915 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Selin and Emre are discussing whether to go for a walk.
- SelinDışarı çıkmak ister misin?Do you want to go outside?
- EmreHayır, çok yorgunum.No, I am very tired.
- SelinTamam, o zaman dinlen.Okay, rest then.
- EmreTeşekkürler, Selin.Thanks, Selin.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “no” translations and entries hayır, yok, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries hayır, yok, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
