Learning how to say “yesterday” in Turkish is a crucial step in developing your language skills. In this guide, we will explore the formal and informal ways of expressing “yesterday” in Turkish, providing you with valuable tips and examples along the way. Whether you are a beginner or looking to enhance your knowledge, this guide will help you navigate the intricacies of Turkish vocabulary in a warm and informative manner.
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say “Yesterday” in Turkish:
1. Dün:
TIP: “Dün” is the most common and formal way to say “yesterday” in Turkish. It is widely used in written and spoken Turkish, making it an essential word to learn.
Example sentences:
- Dün, güzel bir film seyrettik. (Yesterday, we watched a great movie.)
- Dün akşam yemeği için restorana gittik. (We went to a restaurant for dinner yesterday.)
2. Günün birinde:
TIP: “Günün birinde” is a more formal phrase that indicates “one day” or “once upon a time.” It can be used in storytelling or when talking about past events in a formal context.
Example sentences:
- Günün birinde, uzun zaman önce, bir köyde yaşayan bir kız varmış. (Once upon a time, in a village long ago, there was a girl.)
- Onlar, günün birinde büyük bir keşif yapacaklarını bilemezlerdi. (They didn’t know that one day they would make a great discovery.)
Informal Ways to Say “Yesterday” in Turkish:
1. Dünden:
TIP: “Dünden” is a commonly used informal way of expressing “yesterday” in Turkish. It is prevalent in everyday conversations and informal writing.
Example sentences:
- Dünden beri onu görmüyorum. (I haven’t seen him/her since yesterday.)
- Dünden sonra hava çok güzeldi. (The weather was great after yesterday.)
2. Dün akşam:
TIP: “Dün akşam” explicitly refers to “yesterday evening.” It is commonly used in informal conversations when discussing events that occurred specifically in the previous evening.
Example sentences:
- Dün akşam arkadaşlarımla sinemaya gittim. (I went to the cinema with my friends yesterday evening.)
- Dün akşam saat 8’de buluşalım mı? (Shall we meet at 8 PM yesterday evening?)
Tips for Using “Yesterday” in Turkish:
1. Pay attention to the context:
When using “yesterday” in Turkish, it is important to consider the context of the conversation. Different phrases may be more appropriate depending on whether you are speaking formally or informally, or if you are discussing a specific time of the day.
2. Practice the pronunciation:
Like any new vocabulary, practicing the pronunciation of “yesterday” in Turkish is vital for clear communication. Pay attention to the sounds and intonation patterns to improve your spoken fluency.
3. Expand your vocabulary:
While “dün” is the most common and versatile term for “yesterday” in Turkish, it is always beneficial to expand your vocabulary. Explore additional words and phrases related to time and use them in sentences to deepen your understanding.
Examples of Turkish Sentences with “Yesterday” Expressions:
1. Dün annemle alışverişe çıktık. (Yesterday, I went shopping with my mom.)
2. Günün birinde iyi bir iş bulacağım. (One day, I will find a good job.)
3. Dünden beri neredeydin? (Where have you been since yesterday?)
4. Dün akşam konsere gittik. (We went to a concert yesterday evening.)
5. Günün birinde hayallerini gerçekleştireceksin. (One day, you will fulfill your dreams.)
6. Dün akşam yemeğini kendin mi yaptın? (Did you cook dinner yourself yesterday evening?)
Remember, practice makes perfect, so don’t hesitate to incorporate these phrases into your daily conversations or writing exercises. Embrace the beauty of the Turkish language and its rich vocabulary, and enjoy expressing yourself confidently in various situations!
