Ways to say it
| Turkish | IPA |
|---|---|
| gülümsemek | /ɟy.lym.seˈmec/ |
| tebessüm etmek | /tebessym etmec/ (from spelling rules) |
The verb gülümsemek is used to describe having a smile on one's face. It is the most commonly used verb for this action. It is important to distinguish it from gülmek, which means to laugh and implies vocalized laughter or a much stronger expression of amusement.
Which one should you use?
While gülümsemek is the standard, everyday word for to smile, tebessüm etmek is a more formal or literary way to express the same action. Additionally, if you are referring to the noun form, gülümseme is the general word for a smile, whereas gülüş refers more specifically to the manner or style of someone's smile.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
gülümsemek is the standard and most common form. tebessüm etmek is a slightly more formal phrase that implies a softer, gentler smile. In informal contexts, you might hear the phrase Yüzünde kocaman bir gülümseme, which literally means 'a big smile on your face'.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
To express 'his/her smile' as a noun, you use the form gülümsemesi. This is created by taking the noun gülümseme and adding a third-person possessive suffix.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is /ɟy.lym.seˈmec/. The syllables are 4, with the stress on the 4th syllable. The sounds are as follows: the /ɟ/ sound is like the [g] in ar[g]ue, /m/ is like the [m] in [m]uch, /s/ is like the [s] in [s]end and /c/ is like the [k] in s[k]ew.
Did you know?
- The root of gülümsemek is the same as the word for 'rose' in Turkish, which is gül.
- In traditional Turkish culture, a tebessüm is often associated with spiritual peace and modesty rather than just happiness.
- The formal way to say 'to smile', tebessüm etmek, is an Ottoman Turkish construction using a word borrowed from Arabic.
Examples in context
- Gülümsemek paraya mal olmaz.It doesn't cost money to smile.This sentence shows that smiling is free.Tatoeba #7009062 by duran, translation #3732949 by CK
- Tom gülümsemek zorunda kaldı.Tom had to smile.This sentence describes a requirement to smile.Tatoeba #4759340 by deyta, translation #4502197 by CK
- Bütün yapman gereken gülümsemek.All you have to do is smile.This sentence emphasizes that smiling is all that is needed.Tatoeba #4126212 by duran, translation #2643776 by CK
- Gülümseyerek karşılık vermekTo smile in return
- Resmi bir duruşla tebessüm etmekTo smile with a formal demeanor
- Misafirperver bir tebessümle konukları karşılamakTo greet guests with a hospitable smile
- Gülümseyerek ona selam verdimI greeted him with a smile
- Tatlı bir tebessümle bana baktıThey looked at me with a sweet smile
- Yüzünde kocaman bir gülümsemeyle geldiHe arrived with a big smile on his face
- 7 more sentences on Tatoeba
Sources
- Wiktionary, “smile” translations and entries gülümsemek, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Turkish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries etmek, gülümsemek, tebessüm, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
