şarkı
/ʃɑɾˈkɯ/
The English word song is şarkı in Turkish. Wiktionary also lists türkü.
Meaning: music with words (noun)
Ways to say it
| Turkish | IPA |
|---|---|
| şarkı | /ʃɑɾˈkɯ/ /ʃarˈkɯ/ |
| türkü | /tyɾcy/ (from spelling rules) |
The term used for music with words is şarkı. Related terms include sözler for lyrics, melodi for melody and Şarkıcı for a singer.
Which one should you use?
şarkı is a general term for any musical composition with lyrics, such as pop, jazz or classical songs. In contrast, türkü specifically refers to traditional Turkish folk songs.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is /ʃɑɾˈkɯ/. The sounds are similar to [sh]oe for /ʃ/, the [t] in American English atom for /ɾ/, [c]ore for /k/ and somewhat like the vowel in ribb[o]n for /ɯ/.
Did you know?
- The word şarkı is actually a linguistic relative of the English word 'orient' or 'eastern'.
- While şarkı is the general term for 'song', the word türkü literally translates to 'Turkish' or 'of the Turks', linking the traditional folk music directly to the identity of the people.
- The term türkü is frequently used as a vehicle for collective grief and national longing rather than for entertainment.
Examples in context
- O iyi bir şarkı.That's a good song.This sentence is useful for identifying a good song using şarkı.Tatoeba #5008919 by duran, translation #5008903 by CK
- Bu iyi bir şarkı.This is a good song.Tatoeba #5898913 by deyta, translation #5897293 by pyn
- O güzel bir şarkı.That's a beautiful song.This sentence is useful for identifying a beautiful song using şarkı.Tatoeba #4591437 by duran, translation #2645454 by CK
- Bu şarkıyı seviyorum.I love this song.
- Bu ezgi muhteşem!This song is fantastic!
- Bu şarkıyı dinlemeyi bırakamam.I can't stop listening to this song.
- Bu şarkı beni çocukluğuma götürüyor.This song reminds me of my childhood.
- Birlikte şarkı söyleyelim.Let's sing a song together.
- Onların seslendirdiği şarkı inanılmazdı!The song they performed was incredible!
- 796 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Can and Elif are sitting in a cafe listening to music.
- CanBu şarkıyı dinliyor musun?Are you listening to this song?
- ElifEvet, çok güzel bir şarkı.Yes, it is a very beautiful song.
- CanSenin en sevdiğin şarkı bu mu?Is this your favorite song?
- ElifHayır, ama melodisi çok hoş.No, but the melody is very pleasant.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “song” translations and entries şarkı, türkü, 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 türkü, şarkı, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
