What does it mean word for word?
The phrase breaks down literally as bu (this), Türkçede (in Turkish), nasıl (how) and söylenir (is said).
Which one should you use?
The default form bu Türkçede nasıl söylenir uses the passive voice. An alternative way to ask is Bunu Türkçe nasıl söylersiniz?, which uses the active voice ("how do you say") and is more polite. For a very informal tone, you might hear Bu nasıl Türkçe söyleniyor ki?, which literally translates to "How is this said in Turkish, huh?"
How does it change in a sentence?
The word Türkçede is formed by adding the language suffix -çe to Türk and the locative case suffix -de to indicate "in". The verb söylenir is in the passive voice, which is the standard way to ask how something is expressed or said.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is /bu tyɾktʃede nasɯl søjleniɾ/. The sounds are as follows: /b/ as in a[b]out, /u/ as in c[oo]l, /ɾ/ as in AmE a[t]om, /k/ as in [c]ore, /tʃ/ as in [ch]ange, /n/ as in [n]ot, /s/ as in [s]end, /ɯ/ as somewhat like ribb[o]n, /j/ as in [y]es and /i/ as in cr[ee]k.
Did you know?
- The word bu has remained remarkably stable for thousands of years, appearing in almost identical form in Proto-Turkic and Old Turkic.
- Turkish employs a system of vowel harmony where the suffixes change their vowels to match the root. This is why the locative suffix in Türkçede uses 'e' instead of 'a' or 'i'.
- While bu Türkçede nasıl söylenir is the standard way to ask for a translation, Turkish speakers often use the word nasıl to express disbelief or irony, similar to saying 'How on earth' in English.
Examples in context
- Affedersiniz, bu Türkçede nasıl söylenir?Excuse me, how do you say this in Turkish?
Example conversation
Burak is showing a phrase from a book to Merve in a cafe.
- BurakMerve, bu Türkçede nasıl söylenir?Merve, how do you say this in Turkish?
- MerveBuna 'merhaba' denir.It is said as 'merhaba'.
- BurakTeşekkürler, çok yardımcı oldun.Thanks, you were very helpful.
- MerveRica ederim, Burak.You're welcome, Burak.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Turkish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bu, nasıl, CC BY-SA 4.0.
