amca
/amˈd͡ʒa/
The English word uncle is translated into Turkish using several different terms depending on the specific relation. If unsure, use amca. Wiktionary also lists dayı and enişte.
Meaning: brother (or brother-in-law) of someone’s parent (noun)
Ways to say it
| Turkish | IPA |
|---|---|
| amca | /amˈd͡ʒa/ |
| dayı | /daˈjɯ/ |
| enişte | /eniʃte/ (from spelling rules) |
In Turkish, the term you use for uncle depends entirely on how they are related to you and your parents.
Which one should you use?
Turkish distinguishes between different types of uncles. Use amca specifically for a paternal uncle, which is your father's brother. Use dayı for a maternal uncle, which is your mother's brother. If you are referring to an uncle by marriage, specifically the husband of your aunt, the correct term is enişte.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation of amca is /amˈdʒa/. The sound of /m/ is like the [m] in much and the sound of /dʒ/ is like the [j] in jump.
Did you know?
- While dayı means 'maternal uncle', it is also used as a slang term for a 'tough guy' or a street-smart person with connections.
- In many Turkish contexts, calling a stranger or an older man dayı is a common way to show endearment or familiarity, much like calling someone 'uncle' in English.
- The word amca likely evolved from an ancient root meaning 'father', specifically through a diminutive form of the word for 'father'.
Examples in context
- Bu ev amcama aittir.This house belongs to my uncle.This sentence shows how to use amca to indicate ownership.Tatoeba #1383509 by duran, translation #60139 by CK
- Tom bir amca olacak.Tom will be an uncle.This sentence uses amca to describe a person's role.Tatoeba #7019307 by duran, translation #6221283 by CK
- Amcam bir Ford sürer.My uncle drives a Ford.This sentence uses amca as a subject in a sentence.Tatoeba #1274294 by duran, translation #250250 by CK
- Merhaba Amca, nasılsınız?Hello Uncle, how are you?
- Selam Dayı, iyisin mi?Hey Uncle, are you well?
- Amcacığım, seni ne kadar özlediğimi bilemezsin!My dear uncle, you have no idea how much I missed you!
- 419 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Merve and Burak are talking about a family gathering.
- MerveAmcan da partiye gelecek mi?Is your uncle coming to the party too?
- BurakEvet, amcam partiye gelecek.Yes, my uncle is coming to the party.
- MerveHarika, onunla görüşmeyi çok istiyorum.Great, I really want to see him.
- BurakO da seninle tanışmak için sabırsızlanıyor.He is also looking forward to meeting you.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “uncle” translations and entries amca, dayı, enişte, 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 amca, dayı, enişte, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
