bu nedir?
The English phrase "what is this?" is translated into Turkish as bu nedir?
bu nedir? is a question used to identify or name a single object that is near the speaker.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of bu (this) and nedir? (is what?), which literally translates to "this is what?"
Which one should you use?
Use bu nedir? for a single object near you, but if you are asking about multiple objects, use bunlar nedir? If the object is further away rather than near you, use şu nedir? instead of bu nedir?
How does it change in a sentence?
The demonstrative pronoun changes based on distance and quantity: bu (this) becomes şu (that/that near you) when the object is further away, and the phrase changes to bunlar nedir? for multiple objects.
Did you know?
- When asking bu nedir?, a Turkish speaker might point with their chin or a slight head tilt rather than using a finger, depending on the social context.
- In very informal settings, bu ne? can be used as an exclamation of shock or disgust, similar to saying 'what on earth is this?' in English.
- Turkish has a three-way distinction for 'this' and 'that' based on distance, whereas English only has two.
Examples in context
- Bu nedir?What is this?
- Pardon, bu nedir?Excuse me, what is this?
Example conversation
Elif and Mehmet are looking at a strange gift in a box.
- ElifBu nedir?What is this?
- MehmetBu yeni bir saat.This is a new watch.
- ElifÇok güzel görünüyor.It looks very beautiful.
- MehmetTeşekkür ederim, Elif.Thank you, Elif.
