Ways to say it
| Turkish | IPA |
|---|---|
| ağrı | /aːˈɾɯ/ |
| acı | /aˈd͡ʒɯ/ |
Turkish uses different words for pain depending on the sensation and the source. Use ağrı to describe physical aching or bodily suffering. If you are describing a specific sensation, you might use terms like Zonklama (throbbing) or Yanma hissi (a burning sensation). To describe the act of experiencing deep emotional or physical suffering, the phrase acı çekmek is commonly used.
Which one should you use?
There is a clear distinction between the two forms. ağrı is used specifically for physical sensations such as a dull ache or localized bodily pain. In contrast, acı is used for sharp, stinging pain or when referring to emotional and mental pain.
How does it change in a sentence?
To specify which part of the body is experiencing pain, you use the possessive form of ağrı combined with the body part. For example, baş ağrısı means a headache.
How do you pronounce it?
The IPA for ağrı is /aːˈɾɯ/. The sound /ɾ/ is similar to the [t] in the American English word 'atom', and the /ɯ/ sound is somewhat like the [o] in the English word 'ribbon'.
Did you know?
- The word ağrı is also the name of Mount Ararat, the highest peak in Turkey, which is known in Turkish as Ağrı Dağı.
- In Turkish, a 'spicy' taste is described using the word for 'pain', acı. This means a chili pepper is described as being 'painful' rather than just 'hot'.
- The verb acımak, derived from the word for pain, is used to say you 'pity' someone. It literally suggests that you are feeling their pain yourself.
Examples in context
- Çok ağrın var mı?Are you in much pain?This sentence is useful for asking if someone is experiencing much ağrı.Tatoeba #2955135 by duran, translation #2951526 by CK
- Bu eski bir ağrı.It's an old pain.This sentence is useful for identifying an old ağrı.Tatoeba #3632040 by duran, translation #3446845 by CK
- Çok ağrın mı var?Are you in a lot of pain?This sentence is useful for asking if someone has a lot of ağrı.Tatoeba #3744752 by vvv123, translation #3738244 by CK
- Karın ağrım var.I have a pain in my stomach.
- Başım çok ağrıyor.My head hurts a lot.
- Dişim çok sızlıyor.My tooth is aching a lot.
- Dizim ağrıyor.My knee hurts.
- 648 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Mehmet and Merve are talking in their living room.
- MehmetBacağındaki ağrı nasıl?How is the pain in your leg?
- MerveBiraz azaldı, teşekkürler.It decreased a little, thanks.
- MehmetYine de çok ağrı hissedersen söyle.Still, tell me if you feel much pain.
- MerveTamam, çok naziksin Mehmet.Okay, you are very kind, Mehmet.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “pain” translations and entries ağrı, acı, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
