akıllı
/a.kɯɫˈɫɯ/
In Turkish, the word for smart can be expressed as akıllı or zeki.
Meaning: exhibiting intellectual knowledge, such as that found in books (adj)
Ways to say it
| Turkish | IPA |
|---|---|
| akıllı | /a.kɯɫˈɫɯ/ |
| zeki | /zeˈciː/ |
Use them to describe someone who exhibits intellectual knowledge or mental capacity.
What does it mean word for word?
The word akıllı is formed from akıl (mind/reason) and the suffix -lı (with/possessing). Literally, it means possessing intellect.
Which one should you use?
Zeki is used to describe innate intellectual capacity or high IQ. In contrast, akıllı is used to describe someone who uses their intelligence practically or shows good judgment.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 3 syllables, and the stress is on the 3rd syllable. The IPA is /a.kɯɫˈɫɯ/. The k sound is like the [c] in the English word core, and the ɯ sound is somewhat like the [o] in the English word ribbon.
Did you know?
- The expression akıl küpü literally means 'a cube of intellect' and is used to describe a child who is exceptionally smart and precocious.
- The word akıllı comes from akıl, which is a loanword from the Arabic word for 'reason' or 'intellect'.
- While English uses 'smart' to mean both intelligent and stylish, calling a person akıllı in Turkish will never imply that they are well-dressed.
Examples in context
- O zeki bir çocuk.He's a smart boy.This sentence is useful for describing a smart boy using zeki.Tatoeba #1258844 by duran, translation #528221 by fanty
- O akıllı bir kız.She's a smart girl.This sentence is useful for describing a smart girl using akıllı.Tatoeba #2050716 by duran, translation #1676723 by Spamster
- O akıllı ve güzel.He's smart and beautiful.This sentence is useful for describing someone who is smart and beautiful using akıllı.Tatoeba #5623293 by duran, translation #1683889 by Spamster
- O çok akıllıHe/she is very smart
- Bu genç adam çok zekiThis young man is very smart
- Bu zekiceThis is smart
- Sen gerçekten çok akıllısınYou are really very smart
- 416 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Mehmet and Selin are discussing a new student.
- MehmetYeni öğrenci çok akıllı.The new student is very smart.
- SelinEvet, derslerde çok başarılı.Yes, she is very successful in class.
- MehmetOnunla arkadaş olmalısın.You should be friends with her.
- SelinBunu mutlaka yapacağım.I will definitely do that.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “smart” translations and entries akıllı, zeki, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries akıllı, zeki, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
