Ways to say it
| Turkish | IPA |
|---|---|
| söz | /søz/ |
| vaat | /va.atʲ/ /vaːtʲ/ |
In Turkish, you can express a vow or commitment using several different terms depending on the context. The phrase Söz veriyorum is a straightforward and commonly used expression to convey your commitment to someone. For a colloquial way to say "I promise to you", you can use sana söz. If you want to make a solemn and powerful promise in serious contexts, the term Namus sözü is used. To say that someone kept their promise, use the phrase sözünü tutmak and to say someone broke their promise, use sözünü bozmak.
Which one should you use?
While söz is the common word for a promise, vaat is a more formal or heavy term often used for official pledges or promises made by politicians or institutions.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb "to promise" is constructed as the noun söz (word/promise) followed by the verb vermek (to give).
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /søz/. The /s/ sound is like the [s] in "send" and the /z/ sound is like the [z] in "zone".
Did you know?
- In traditional Turkish engagement customs, söz refers to the official ceremony where two families agree to a marriage. The event is literally named after the 'promise' made between the couple.
- The phrase namus sözü links a promise to namus, which translates to 'honor' or 'chastity'. To break such a promise is seen as a stain on one's personal and family integrity.
- Because söz means both 'word' and 'promise', a person can be described as 'sözünün eri', which literally means 'a man of his word' but is a high compliment for someone reliable.
Examples in context
- O bir söz mü?Is that a promise?This sentence is useful for asking if something is a promise using söz.Tatoeba #2030286 by duran, translation #1886913 by CK
- Tom bir söz verdi.Tom made a promise.This sentence shows how to say someone made a promise using söz.Tatoeba #3985162 by duran, translation #2647902 by CK
- Senin sözün var mı?Do I have your promise?This sentence is used to ask if you have someone's promise using söz.Tatoeba #3895299 by duran, translation #3821340 by CK
- Adam, pazartesi günü raporumu teslim edeceğim. Söz veriyorum.Adam, I will submit my report on Monday. I promise.
- Yarın sinemaya gidelim mi? – Elbette, söz!Shall we go to the cinema tomorrow? – Of course, promise!
- Tatlıyı senin için sakladım. Sana söz!I saved the dessert for you. I promise!
- 636 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Elif and Emre are talking about a future trip.
- ElifBeni orada bekleyeceğine dair söz ver.Give me a promise that you will wait for me there.
- EmreTamam, söz veriyorum.Okay, I promise.
- ElifSözünü tutacağını biliyorum, Emre.I know you will keep your promise, Emre.
- EmreElbette tutacağım, Elif.Of course I will, Elif.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “promise” translations and entries söz, vaat, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
