ayakkabı
/ɑˈjɑkkɑbɯ/
The English word 'shoes' is translated into Turkish as ayakkabı.
Ayakkabı is the most common and standard word for footwear. In Turkish, the singular form ayakkabı can be used to refer to the general concept of footwear, even in cases where English would require the plural 'shoes'.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Anatolia, the term yemeni is used to refer to light, traditional shoes made of fabric or leather.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of ayakkabı is ayakkabılar. To express the genitive case, such as 'of the shoe', you add the suffix -nın to the word, resulting in ayakkabının.
How do you pronounce it?
/ɑˈjɑkkɑbɯ/. The sound /j/ is like the [y] in [y]es, /k/ is like the [c] in [c]ore, /b/ is like the [b] in a[b]out and /ɯ/ is somewhat like the [o] in ribb[o]n.
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly add a plural suffix to ayakkabı when referring to the general category of footwear. Instead, use the singular form ayakkabı to represent the concept.
Did you know?
- The word ayakkabı literally translates to 'foot container', as it is a combination of ayak meaning 'foot' and kap meaning 'container' or 'cover'.
- In Turkish culture, it is customary to remove ayakkabı before entering a home to keep the living space clean.
- In some traditional Turkish beliefs, leaving ayakkabı pointing toward a doorway or a person is considered impolite or bad luck.
Examples in context
- Kaç çift ayakkabın var?How many pairs of shoes do you have?This sentence is useful for asking about the number of pairs of ayakkabı someone owns.Tatoeba #2950316 by duran, translation #2912001 by CK
- Bu ayakkabı onlara ait.These shoes belong to them.This sentence is useful for indicating ownership of a single piece of ayakkabı.Tatoeba #4026947 by duran, translation #3907592 by CH
- Bu ayakkabılar ona ait.These shoes belong to him.This sentence is useful for indicating ownership of plural ayakkabılar.Tatoeba #4026948 by duran, translation #3907593 by CH
- Ben yeni ayakkabı aldım.I bought new shoes.
- Kırmızı pabuçlarınız çok güzel.Your red shoes are very nice.
- 813 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Can and Zeynep are getting ready to go out.
- CanYeni ayakkabıların çok güzel.Your new shoes are very beautiful.
- ZeynepTeşekkür ederim, Can.Thank you, Can.
- CanAyakkabıların rahat mı?Are your shoes comfortable?
- ZeynepEvet, çok rahatlar.Yes, they are very comfortable.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry ayakkabı, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ayakkabı, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
