bir
/bir/
The Turkish word for one is bir.
bir is used as the cardinal number one and also serves as the noun for the digit or figure 1. In many contexts, it functions as the indefinite article meaning 'a' or 'an'.
Meaning: cardinal number 1 (num)
Which one should you use?
While bir is the standard word for one, different phrases are used for emphasis or specificity. Bir tane is used to emphasize the number one in informal speech, while Bir tanesi is used when you want to place more emphasis on the individuality of a specific object. When discussing objects or certain foods, you may also encounter Bir adet to mean one.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
In Turkish, bir functions both as the number 'one' and as the indefinite article 'a' or 'an'.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is /bir/. The 'b' sound is like the 'b' in 'about' and the 'i' sound is like the 'ee' in 'creek'.
Did you know?
- Turkish uses bir to create 'numerical adjectives' that describe a person's character. For example, calling someone bir insan can imply they are a 'true' or 'exemplary' human being.
- If a Turk says bir de…, they are not necessarily counting, but are often using the word to mean 'also' or 'in addition to'.
- The word bir is used in many common Turkish expressions to mean 'a bit' or 'a little', such as in the phrase biraz, which is a combination of bir and 'amount'.
Examples in context
- Bu iyi bir tane.It's a good one.This sentence shows how to use bir to mean 'a'.Tatoeba #3051550 by duran, translation #2891541 by CK
- Bir boş oda var.There is one vacancy.This sentence shows how bir functions as the number one.Tatoeba #4571102 by duran, translation #4494715 by CK
- Bir kez daha mı?One more time?This sentence shows how bir can be used to mean 'one' in the context of frequency.Tatoeba #4996908 by duran, translation #4795799 by Asadamcan
- Bir yıl içinde yeni bir projeyi tamamlamak istiyoruz.We want to complete a new project within a year.
- Lütfen bir kalem verebilir misiniz?Could you please give me a pen?
- Kendime bir tane telefon aldım.I bought myself one phone.
- Bugün bir adet dondurma yedim.I ate one ice cream today.
- Sana biricik torunumu göstermek istiyorum.I want to show you my one and only grandchild.
- 5694 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Elif and Emre are sitting in a cafe.
- ElifBir kahve lütfen.One coffee, please.
- EmreSadece bir tane mi?Only one?
- ElifEvet, sadece bir.Yes, just one.
- EmreTamam, hemen getiriyorum.Okay, I am bringing it right away.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “one” translations and entries bir, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
