bahar
/bɑ.hɑɾ/
The English word spring is translated into Turkish as bahar. Wiktionary also lists ilkbahar and ilkyaz.
Meaning: season between winter and summer in temperate climates (noun)
Ways to say it
| Turkish | IPA |
|---|---|
| bahar | /bɑ.hɑɾ/ /bɑ.hɑːɾ/ |
| ilkbahar | /ilkbahaɾ/ (from spelling rules) |
| ilkyaz | /ilkjaz/ (from spelling rules) |
The term refers to the season between winter and summer. In literature, bahar can also be used figuratively to describe a bloom or a flowering period.
Which one should you use?
While bahar is the common way to say spring, ilkyaz serves as a more poetic or literary synonym. Additionally, the word sonbahar (autumn) is the antonym for ilkbahar, literally meaning 'last spring' or 'end spring'.
How do you pronounce it?
The word consists of 2 syllables: /bɑ.hɑɾ/. The /b/ is like the b in about, the /h/ is like the h in home and the /ɾ/ is like the American English t in atom.
Did you know?
- The common word for spring, bahar, shares the exact same spelling and sound as the Arabic word for 'spice'.
- The term bahar is frequently used in Turkish idioms to describe the peak of youth or beauty, similar to the English phrase 'springtime of life'.
- While bahar is common, the more traditional Turkish word for spring is ilkyaz, which literally translates to 'first summer'.
Examples in context
- On gün sonra bahar!Ten more days, then spring!This sentence shows how to express anticipation for the arrival of bahar.Tatoeba #6209178 by duran, translation #6208649 by carlosalberto
- İlk bahar kışı izler.Spring follows winter.This sentence describes the seasonal transition using bahar.Tatoeba #2135396 by duran, translation #453140 by CM
- Bu yıl bahar geç geldi.Spring came late this year.This sentence is useful for noting the timing of the arrival of bahar in a specific year.Tatoeba #3976466 by duran, translation #3818379 by CK
- Bahar geldi ve çiçekler açtı.Spring has arrived, and the flowers have blossomed.
- Bugün çok güzel bir ilkbahar günü.Today is a very beautiful spring day.
- 287 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Merve and Can are talking about the weather in the garden.
- MerveHava çok güzel, nihayet bahar geldi.The weather is very nice, spring has finally arrived.
- CanEvet, çiçekler açmaya başladı.Yes, the flowers have started to bloom.
- MerveEn sevdiğim mevsim bahar.My favorite season is spring.
- CanBenim için de öyle, Merve.It is the same for me, Merve.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “spring” translations and entries bahar, ilkbahar, 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 bahar, ilkbahar, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
