zaman
/zaˈman/
The English word "time" is translated into Turkish as zaman.
zaman is used to refer to the abstract concept of time as well as to specific instances of time.
Meaning: measurement of a quantity of time (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
To use zaman as a direct object, such as in the phrase zamanı geldi (the time has come), you add the accusative suffix -ı to the word. Additionally, the phrase ne zaman (literally "what time") is used to mean "when" in questions.
How do you pronounce it?
/zaˈman/. The /z/ sound is like the [z] in "zone", the /m/ is like the [m] in "much" and the /n/ is like the [n] in "not".
Did you know?
- The expression zamanında can mean 'on time' or 'in the past', depending on the context of the sentence.
- The word zaman is not originally of Turkish origin, but was borrowed from Persian into Ottoman Turkish.
- To describe a 'long time ago', Turks often use the phrase eskiden, which is derived from the word for 'old' rather than the word for 'time'.
Examples in context
- O ne zaman oldu?What time did that happen?This sentence shows how to use zaman to ask about the time an event occurred.Tatoeba #2054074 by duran, translation #3763413 by cromwellt
- O ta ne zamandı.It was a long time ago.This sentence demonstrates using zaman to refer to a period in the past.Tatoeba #7280684 by soliloquist, translation #2869124 by Hybrid
- O her zaman olur.It happens all the time.This sentence illustrates the use of zaman when describing something that happens constantly.Tatoeba #2045162 by duran, translation #2020946 by Spamster
- Saat bir.It's one o'clock.
- Saat yedi otuz.It's seven thirty.
- İki.Two o'clock.
- Beş buçuk.Five-thirty.
- Saat üç buçuk.Three-thirty.
- Saat ikiye çeyrek kala.It's a quarter to two (1:45 PM).
- Akşam saat dokuz.Nine in the evening.
- 8068 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Zeynep and Mehmet are discussing their work schedule at a cafe.
- ZeynepBu iş için ne kadar zaman lazım?How much time is needed for this job?
- MehmetBiraz daha zaman gerekiyor.A little more time is required.
- ZeynepMehmet, zamanın var mı?Mehmet, do you have time?
- MehmetEvet, şu an vaktim var.Yes, I have time right now.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry zaman, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries zaman, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
