kırmızı
/kɯɾ.mɯˈzɯ/
The English word red translates to Turkish as kırmızı. Wiktionary also lists kızıl and al.
Meaning: colour (noun)
Ways to say it
| Turkish | IPA |
|---|---|
| kırmızı | /kɯɾ.mɯˈzɯ/ |
| kızıl | /kɯˈzɯɫ/ |
| al | /ɑɫ/ |
The primary term for the color red is kırmızı. When describing a person with red hair, one typically uses the phrase kızıl saçlı. The word kızıl can also be used as an adjective to mean left-wing, socialist or communist.
Which one should you use?
kırmızı is the standard, everyday word for the color red used in most contexts. kızıl is used to describe a reddish hue, often used for hair (red hair) or natural phenomena like a sunset. al is a more literary or poetic way to say red, often found in folk songs or classical literature.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 3 syllables, with the stress on the third syllable. The sounds are: /k/ as in [c]ore, /ɯ/ somewhat like ribb[o]n, /ɾ/ as in AmE a[t]om, /m/ as in [m]uch and /z/ as in [z]one.
Did you know?
- The common word kırmızı actually traces its roots back to the word for 'worm'. It refers to the kermes insect, which was historically used to produce a vibrant red dye.
- In the Turkish flag, the deep red color is traditionally associated with the word al, which appears in the national anthem as al sancak meaning 'red banner'.
- The word al is frequently used in folk songs and poetry to symbolize passion, love and the blush of a cheek.
Examples in context
- Şu kırmızı şey ne?What's that red stuff?This sentence is useful for asking about a red object using kırmızı.Tatoeba #4222062 by Gulo_Luscus, translation #3170529 by CK
- Bu elma çok kırmızı.This apple is very red.This sentence is useful for describing an apple as very red using kırmızı.Tatoeba #479497 by deyta, translation #60350 by CK
- O elma kırmızı değilThat apple isn't red.This sentence is useful for stating that an apple is not red using kırmızı.Tatoeba #2088499 by duran, translation #1221555 by FiRez
- Kırmızı elbiseRed dress
- Kırmızı arabaRed car
- Açık kırmızıLight red
- Koyu kırmızıDark red
- Al gülRed rose
- Kızıl saçRed hair
- Kızıl kurdeleRed ribbon
- 760 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Selin and Can are choosing a gift for a friend.
- SelinBu kırmızı bir kalem mi?Is this a red pen?
- CanEvet, kırmızı bir kalem.Yes, it is a red pen.
- SelinOnun için çok güzel bir renk.It is a very nice color for her.
- CanBence de öyle.I think so too.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “red” translations and entries kırmızı, kızıl, al, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries al, kırmızı, kızıl, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
