Ways to say it
| Turkish | IPA |
|---|---|
| beyaz | /beˈjɑz/ |
| ak | /ˈɑk/ |
beyaz is the standard term for the color white and functions as both a standalone noun and an adjective. It can also be used as an adjective to describe something as being of or relating to Caucasians. The related forms ak and beyaz can both be used as adjectives meaning bright and colourless.
Which one should you use?
beyaz is the standard word for the color, while ak is a more archaic or poetic form. ak is frequently used in literature, idioms and compound words. In traditional Turkish idioms, ak often signifies purity, goodness or honesty, such as in the phrase ak sakallı (white-bearded or wise).
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
When used as an adjective before a noun, beyaz remains in its base form and does not change to indicate plurality. For example, beyaz elmalar means white apples.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation of beyaz is /beˈjɑz/. The /b/ is like the [b] in about, the /j/ is like the [y] in yes and the /z/ is like the [z] in zone.
Did you know?
- The term ak appears in the phrase ak koyun kara koyun, which literally means 'white sheep black sheep' but is used to describe the sorting of good people from bad.
- The word beyaz is derived from the Arabic word bayāḍ, meaning 'whiteness'.
Examples in context
- O kar gibi beyaz.It is white as snow.This sentence is useful for practicing a comparison using beyaz.Tatoeba #1261114 by duran, translation #272579 by CK
- Bu kâğıt beyaz mı?Is this paper white?This sentence is useful for asking a question about the color of an object using beyaz.Tatoeba #4042855 by vvv123, translation #1764977 by AlanF_US
- Bu at beyaz değil.This horse isn't white.This sentence is useful for using a negative construction with beyaz.Tatoeba #6950421 by evka, translation #8776657 by moman
- 630 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Emre and Merve are looking at a new sofa in a furniture store.
- EmreBu koltuk çok güzel.This sofa is very beautiful.
- MerveEvet, ama beyaz olması zor olabilir.Yes, but it might be difficult if it's white.
- EmreHaklısın, Merve.You are right, Merve.
- MerveBelki de gri seçmeliyiz.Maybe we should choose grey.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “white” translations and entries beyaz, ak, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ak, beyaz, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
