mendil
/mɛn.dil/
The Turkish word for tissue is mendil.
The word mendil means handkerchief. To specifically distinguish a disposable paper tissue from a cloth handkerchief, speakers often use the phrase kağıt mendil.
Meaning: sheet of absorbent paper (noun)
Which one should you use?
The word mendil means handkerchief, whereas the colloquial phrase kağıt mendil is used to specifically distinguish a disposable paper tissue from a cloth handkerchief.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Istanbul, people use kağıt mendil for tissue.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has two syllables: /mɛn.dil/. The /m/ sounds like the [m] in much, the /n/ sounds like the [n] in not and the /i/ sounds like the [ee] in creek.
Did you know?
- In traditional Turkish culture, a mendil was not just for hygiene but was often used as a romantic token or a signal of love in folk songs and poetry.
- In some traditional Turkish dances, dancers use a mendil as a prop, waving it to express emotion or to lead a partner.
- The word mendil traces its roots back to the Latin word 'mantelium', which referred to a general cloth or mantle.
Examples in context
- Bana bir kağıt mendil ver.Hand me a tissue.This sentence is useful for asking someone to hand you a mendil.Tatoeba #4173356 by duran, translation #3392966 by CK
- Tom'a bir kağıt mendil ver.Give Tom a tissue.This sentence is useful for asking someone to give a mendil to Tom.Tatoeba #2512094 by duran, translation #2261877 by CK
- Sana bir kağıt mendil alayım.Let me get you a tissue.This sentence is useful for offering to get someone a mendil.Tatoeba #3932248 by duran, translation #3819634 by CK
- Bir mendil alabilir miyim?Can I have a tissue?
- 8 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Can and Elif are sitting together in a cafe.
- CanElif, sende mendil var mı?Elif, do you have a tissue?
- ElifEvet, çantamda var.Yes, I have one in my bag.
- CanLütfen bana bir mendil verir misin?Could you please give me a tissue?
- ElifTabii ki, buyur.Of course, here you go.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry mendil, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries mendil, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
