pahalı در ۳۰ ثانیه
- Primary adjective for 'expensive' in Turkish, used for goods, services, and metaphorical costs.
- Formed from 'paha' (price) and the suffix '-lı' (with/having), literally 'having a price'.
- Essential for shopping, travel, and discussing the economy; its antonym is 'ucuz' (cheap).
- Can be intensified with 'çok' (very) or used in idioms like 'ateş pahası' (extremely expensive).
The Turkish word pahalı is one of the most fundamental adjectives a learner will encounter, specifically within the realm of commerce, value, and daily life. At its core, it translates to 'expensive' or 'costly' in English. Etymologically, it is derived from the Persian root 'paha' (meaning price or value) combined with the Turkish suffix '-lı', which denotes possession or quality. Therefore, 'pahalı' literally means 'with price' or 'possessing high value'. In a culture where trade, markets, and bargaining (pazarlık) are central to social interaction, understanding and using this word correctly is vital for navigating everything from the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul to a modern shopping mall in Ankara.
- Economic Context
- In Turkey, fluctuations in currency and inflation are frequent topics of conversation. Consequently, you will hear 'pahalı' used not just to describe a luxury item, but as a general commentary on the rising cost of living. It expresses a subjective or objective assessment that the price of an item exceeds its perceived value or the speaker's budget.
Bu restoran gerçekten çok pahalı, başka bir yere gidelim mi?
Beyond the literal price of goods, 'pahalı' can also be used metaphorically to describe something that comes at a high 'cost' in terms of effort, time, or emotional toll. For instance, a mistake can be 'pahalıya mal olmak' (to cost dearly). This versatility makes it a powerful tool for expressing consequences. In Turkish social etiquette, calling something 'pahalı' directly to a host or a seller can sometimes be seen as a prelude to bargaining. It signals that the buyer is interested but finds the current terms unacceptable. Understanding the tone—whether it is a complaint, an observation, or a negotiation tactic—is key to mastering its usage.
- Social Register
- The word is neutral in register, meaning it can be used in formal financial reports, news broadcasts, and casual street slang. However, in slang, you might hear 'tuzlu' (salty) as a more colorful alternative to describe a high price.
Hayat her geçen gün daha pahalı hale geliyor.
Using 'pahalı' in Turkish grammar is relatively straightforward because, as an adjective, it typically precedes the noun it modifies or functions as a predicate at the end of a sentence. Unlike English, Turkish doesn't have a definite article like 'the' that changes based on the adjective, but the placement of 'pahalı' remains consistent. When used as an attributive adjective (e.g., 'expensive car'), it sits right before the noun: 'pahalı araba'. When used as a predicative adjective (e.g., 'the car is expensive'), it comes at the end: 'Araba pahalı'.
- Comparative and Superlative
- To say 'more expensive', you use 'daha pahalı'. To say 'the most expensive', you use 'en pahalı'. These structures are essential for comparing products or services. For example: 'Bu saat, diğerinden daha pahalı' (This watch is more expensive than the other one).
Dünyanın en pahalı tablosu hangisidir?
One interesting aspect of Turkish is how adjectives can turn into nouns. If you say 'Pahalıları sevmiyorum' (I don't like the expensive ones), the suffix '-lar' (plural) and '-ı' (accusative) are attached directly to the adjective, treating it as a substantive. This is very common in shopping contexts. Furthermore, you can intensify 'pahalı' using the adverb 'çok' (very) or 'pek' (quite). In more poetic or emphatic speech, you might encounter 'pahalı mı pahalı', a reduplication pattern used to mean 'extremely expensive'.
- Negative Constructions
- To say something is 'not expensive', you use the word 'değil'. Example: 'Bu çanta pahalı değil' (This bag is not expensive). This is often a more polite way to describe something affordable without using the word 'ucuz' (cheap), which can sometimes carry a connotation of low quality.
Daha az pahalı bir seçenek var mı?
The word 'pahalı' is ubiquitous in Turkish daily life. You will hear it in the 'pazar' (open-air market) where grandmothers complain about the price of tomatoes. You will hear it in luxury boutiques in Nişantaşı where customers discuss the exclusivity of a designer dress. It is a word that bridges the gap between the mundane and the elite. In Turkish television dramas (diziler), 'pahalı' is often used to emphasize the wealth gap between characters, where a poor protagonist might stare at a 'pahalı' shop window, symbolizing a life they cannot reach.
- News and Media
- On the evening news, anchors frequently use 'pahalı' when discussing 'akaryakıt fiyatları' (fuel prices) or 'kira artışları' (rent increases). It is a politically charged word in this context, often reflecting the public's frustration with economic instability. Headlines like 'Pahalı hayat vatandaşı yoruyor' (Expensive life is tiring the citizen) are common.
İstanbul'da ev kiraları çok pahalı.
In the business world, 'pahalı' is used in procurement discussions and budget meetings. A manager might say, 'Bu ham madde çok pahalı, daha uygun bir tedarikçi bulmalıyız' (This raw material is too expensive, we must find a more suitable supplier). Here, 'pahalı' is an objective metric of cost-effectiveness. Conversely, in tourism, you'll hear guides warning tourists that certain areas are 'pahalı' because they are 'turistik' (touristy), suggesting that the prices are inflated for foreigners compared to local standards.
One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make is confusing 'pahalı' with 'paha'. While 'paha' means 'price' or 'value', it is almost never used alone in modern Turkish except in specific idioms like 'biçilemez paha' (priceless). You cannot say 'Bu kitabın pahası nedir?' (What is the price of this book?) in casual conversation; instead, you must use 'fiyat' (price). 'Bu kitabın fiyatı nedir?' is the correct form. 'Pahalı' is the adjective you need when you want to say the price is high.
- The 'Pricey' vs 'Expensive' Distinction
- English speakers often look for a word for 'pricey' to sound less formal. While 'pahalı' covers both, learners sometimes try to use 'yüksek' (high) incorrectly. While you can say 'fiyatı yüksek' (its price is high), you cannot say 'yüksek araba' to mean an expensive car; that would mean a tall car.
Yanlış: Bu ayakkabı çok yüksek. (Wrong for expensive)
Doğru: Bu ayakkabı çok pahalı.
Another mistake is the misuse of 'pahalı' when referring to people. In English, you might say someone has 'expensive taste'. In Turkish, you wouldn't say 'pahalı bir adam'. Instead, you would say 'lüksü seven bir adam' (a man who loves luxury) or 'pahalı zevkleri olan bir adam' (a man with expensive tastes). Using 'pahalı' directly for a person might imply they are literally for sale, which is obviously incorrect and potentially offensive.
While 'pahalı' is the standard term, Turkish offers a rich variety of synonyms and related terms depending on the context and the level of formality. Understanding these nuances will make your Turkish sound more natural and sophisticated.
- Tuzlu (Salty)
- This is a very common slang term. If a bill at a restaurant is higher than expected, a Turk might say 'Hesap biraz tuzluydu' (The bill was a bit salty). It implies that the price was a bit stinging or hard to swallow.
- Lüks (Luxury/Luxurious)
- Used for things that are expensive because they are high-end or unnecessary. A 'lüks araba' is not just expensive; it's a prestige symbol.
- Masraflı (Costly/High-Maintenance)
- This describes something that requires a lot of ongoing spending. An old car might not be 'pahalı' to buy, but it is 'masraflı' to keep running.
Bu proje şirket için çok maliyetli olacak.
In contrast, the antonym of 'pahalı' is 'ucuz' (cheap). However, if you want to sound more positive, you might use 'ekonomik' (economical), 'uygun' (suitable/affordable), or 'hesaplı' (budget-friendly). 'Hesaplı' is particularly common in advertisements, suggesting that the price is well-calculated and fair.
چقدر رسمی است؟
نکته جالب
The suffix '-lı' is one of the most productive in Turkish. It can be added to almost any noun to create an adjective meaning 'with' or 'possessing'.
راهنمای تلفظ
- Pronouncing the final 'ı' as an English 'ee' (pahal-ee). It should be a neutral, 'stuck-in-the-throat' sound.
- Aspirating the 'p' too strongly like in 'pot'. Turkish 'p' is softer.
- Dropping the 'h' sound. It must be audible.
- Stress on the first syllable (PÁ-ha-lı).
- Confusing 'ı' with 'i' (pahali).
سطح دشواری
Very easy to recognize and read.
Easy, but remember the final 'ı' and the 'h'.
The 'ı' sound can be tricky for English speakers.
Clearly pronounced and common in speech.
بعداً چه یاد بگیریم؟
پیشنیازها
بعداً یاد بگیرید
پیشرفته
گرامر لازم
Adjective Placement
Pahalı (adj) + Araba (noun) = Pahalı araba.
Comparative with 'Daha'
Bu saat, o saatten daha pahalı.
Superlative with 'En'
Bu, dükkandaki en pahalı ürün.
Negative with 'Değil'
Bu çanta pahalı değil.
Substantivizing with Suffixes
Pahalı-lar-ı (The expensive ones) sevmiyorum.
مثالها بر اساس سطح
Bu ekmek çok pahalı.
This bread is very expensive.
Basic 'Subject + Adjective' structure.
Pahalı mı?
Is it expensive?
Interrogative particle 'mı' follows the adjective.
Hayır, pahalı değil.
No, it is not expensive.
Negative 'değil' follows the adjective.
Pahalı bir telefon.
An expensive phone.
Attributive use: adjective before the noun.
Bu çanta çok pahalı.
This bag is very expensive.
Use of 'çok' as an intensifier.
Elmalar pahalı mı?
Are the apples expensive?
Plural subject with an adjective.
En pahalı araba hangisi?
Which is the most expensive car?
Superlative 'en' used with 'pahalı'.
Pahalı süt istemiyorum.
I don't want expensive milk.
Adjective modifying the object of a verb.
Bu ev diğerinden daha pahalı.
This house is more expensive than the other one.
Comparative 'daha' with 'dan/den' suffix.
Neden her şey bu kadar pahalı?
Why is everything this expensive?
Adverbial 'bu kadar' (this much).
Pahalı restoranlara gitmiyoruz.
We don't go to expensive restaurants.
Plural adjective-noun agreement (implicit).
Bu ayakkabılar çok pahalı ama çok kaliteli.
These shoes are very expensive but very high quality.
Compound sentence with 'ama' (but).
Daha az pahalı bir otel arıyoruz.
We are looking for a less expensive hotel.
'Daha az' used for 'less'.
Pahalı hediyeler almayı sever.
He/she likes buying expensive gifts.
Infinitive 'almayı' as an object.
İstanbul, Ankara'dan daha pahalı bir şehir.
Istanbul is a more expensive city than Ankara.
Comparative structure in a complex sentence.
Bu bilgisayar benim için çok pahalı.
This computer is too expensive for me.
'Benim için' (for me) indicates personal budget.
Pahalı olduğu için onu almaktan vazgeçtim.
I gave up on buying it because it was expensive.
Causal construction using '-duğu için'.
Pahalı ürünlerin her zaman kaliteli olmadığını biliyorsun.
You know that expensive products are not always high quality.
Noun clause as an object.
Hayatın bu kadar pahalılaşması bizi endişelendiriyor.
The fact that life is becoming this expensive worries us.
Nominalized verb 'pahalılaşması'.
Pahalı bir tatile çıkmak yerine evde kalacağız.
Instead of going on an expensive vacation, we will stay home.
Postposition 'yerine' (instead of).
Bu tablo, müzayededeki en pahalı eserdi.
This painting was the most expensive work in the auction.
Past tense of the copula 'idi' attached to the noun.
Pahalı olanı değil, kullanışlı olanı seçmelisin.
You should choose the useful one, not the expensive one.
Relative clause 'olan' used as a substantive.
Dolar yükselince ithal mallar daha pahalı hale geldi.
When the dollar rose, imported goods became more expensive.
Adverbial '-(y)ince' (when/upon).
Pahalı bir zevki var, hep marka giyiniyor.
He has an expensive taste; he always wears brands.
Idiomatic use of 'pahalı zevk'.
Bu hata bize çok pahalıya mal oldu.
This mistake cost us very dearly.
Idiom 'pahalıya mal olmak'.
Pahalılıkla mücadele etmek için yeni önlemler alınıyor.
New measures are being taken to combat high prices (inflation).
Noun form 'pahalılık' with instrumental '-la'.
Eskiden buralar bu kadar pahalı değildi.
These places weren't this expensive in the past.
Past tense negative 'değildi'.
Maliyetler arttıkça ürünler de pahalılaşıyor.
As costs increase, products also become more expensive.
Adverbial '-dıkça' (as/the more).
Pahalı bir semtte oturmanın bazı zorlukları var.
There are some difficulties to living in an expensive neighborhood.
Genitive-possessive construction.
Bu kadar pahalı bir yatırımı riske atamayız.
We cannot risk such an expensive investment.
Adjective modifying an abstract noun.
Arabanın parçaları çok pahalı, tamiri zor.
The car's parts are very expensive; its repair is difficult.
Possessive compound 'arabanın parçaları'.
Pahalı restoranlarda yemek yemek her zaman keyifli değildir.
Eating in expensive restaurants is not always enjoyable.
Gerund 'yemek yemek' as a subject.
Enflasyonun körüklediği pahalılık, alım gücünü iyice düşürdü.
The high cost of living fueled by inflation has significantly lowered purchasing power.
Complex noun phrase with a participle clause.
Bu lüks tüketim çılgınlığı, pahalı bir yaşam tarzını dayatıyor.
This luxury consumption craze imposes an expensive lifestyle.
Abstract sociological context.
Gecikmenin bedeli şirket için oldukça pahalı olabilir.
The price of the delay could be quite costly for the company.
Metaphorical use of 'pahalı'.
Pahalı bir eğitim, her zaman başarılı bir kariyer garantilemez.
An expensive education does not always guarantee a successful career.
General philosophical statement.
Antika mobilyalar, nadir bulundukları için oldukça pahalıdır.
Antique furniture is quite expensive because it is rare.
Formal explanation with 'dır' suffix.
Pahalı zevkleri olan insanların sosyal çevresi de farklıdır.
The social circle of people with expensive tastes is also different.
Complex relative clause.
Şehrin merkezindeki arsalar ateş pahası.
Land in the city center is prohibitively expensive (fire price).
Idiom 'ateş pahası'.
Pahalı parfümlerin kalıcılığı genellikle daha yüksektir.
The longevity of expensive perfumes is generally higher.
Technical comparison.
Ekonomik istikrarsızlık, pahalılığı toplumsal bir sorun haline getirdi.
Economic instability has turned high prices into a social problem.
High-level academic Turkish.
Pahalıya patlamak deyimi, genellikle beklenmedik zararlar için kullanılır.
The idiom 'to explode expensively' is generally used for unexpected losses.
Meta-linguistic explanation.
Müellif, eserinde pahalı bir üslup kullanarak seçkin bir kitleye hitap ediyor.
The author uses a 'costly' (refined/rich) style in his work to appeal to an elite audience.
Metaphorical literary use.
Pahalı bir zafer, bazen mağlubiyetten daha yıkıcı olabilir.
A costly victory can sometimes be more devastating than a defeat.
Pyrrhic victory concept.
Fiyatların bu denli pahalı seyretmesi, tüketici davranışlarını kökten değiştirdi.
Prices trending this expensively has radically changed consumer behavior.
Technical economic phrasing.
Pahalı bir sessizlik çöktü odaya, kimse konuşmaya cesaret edemiyordu.
A 'costly' (heavy/significant) silence fell over the room; no one dared to speak.
Poetic/Literary use.
Siyasi otorite, pahalılıkla mücadele kapsamında radikal kararlar aldı.
The political authority took radical decisions within the scope of combating high costs.
Legal/Administrative register.
Pahalı bir bedel ödeyerek kazandığı tecrübe, ona hayatta rehberlik etti.
The experience he gained by paying a heavy price guided him in life.
Abstract metaphorical usage.
مترادفها
متضادها
ترکیبهای رایج
عبارات رایج
— It's very expensive! An exclamation of surprise or complaint.
Bir kahve 100 lira mı? Çok pahalı!
— Isn't it expensive? Used to seek agreement or start bargaining.
Bu halı biraz pahalı değil mi?
— It seemed expensive (to me). Used to politely decline a purchase.
Teşekkürler, fiyatı biraz pahalı geldi.
— Expensive but beautiful. Used to justify a high price.
Bu elbise pahalı ama güzel.
— Which one is the most expensive? Used to find the top-tier item.
Şarap listesindeki en pahalısı hangisi?
— An expensive place. Used to describe a venue or neighborhood.
Burası çok pahalı bir yer.
اغلب اشتباه گرفته میشود با
Paha is the noun meaning 'price'. You can't say 'Bu paha'. Use 'Bu pahalı'.
Yüksek means 'high'. Use it for 'fiyat' (price), but not for the object itself (e.g., don't say 'yüksek araba' for expensive car).
Değerli means 'valuable'. Something can be valuable but not necessarily expensive in terms of money (e.g., a child's drawing).
اصطلاحات و عبارات
— To cost dearly, either in money or in consequences.
O yalan ona çok pahalıya mal oldu.
Neutral— Extremely expensive, 'fire price'. Usually used for basic needs that became too dear.
Pazarda meyveler ateş pahası.
Informal— To end up costing much more than expected.
Tatil bize pahalıya patladı.
Informal— A world of money; an exorbitant amount.
O arabaya dünyanın parasını verdi.
Informal— At the cost of one's life. Uses the root 'paha'.
Onu canı pahasına korudu.
Formal/Literary— To burn the hand; used for prices that are too high to touch.
Kira fiyatları el yakıyor.
Informalبهراحتی اشتباه گرفته میشود
الگوهای جملهسازی
Bu [nesne] çok pahalı.
Bu ekmek çok pahalı.
[Nesne] pahalı mı?
Süt pahalı mı?
[Nesne] [Nesne]'den daha pahalı.
Altın gümüşten daha pahalı.
Pahalı olduğu için [eylem].
Pahalı olduğu için almadım.
[Hata/Durum] pahalıya mal oldu.
Gecikme bize pahalıya mal oldu.
[İsim] ateş pahası.
Kiralar ateş pahası.
Pahalı bir [soyut kavram].
Pahalı bir sessizlik çöktü.
En pahalı [isim].
En pahalı otel hangisi?
خانواده کلمه
اسمها
فعلها
صفتها
مرتبط
نحوه استفاده
Extremely high. Used daily by almost all Turkish speakers.
حفظ کنید
روش یادسپاری
Think of a 'PA' (Dad) who is 'HA' (Happy) because he bought a 'LI' (Limo). But wait, a Limo is very PAHALI (expensive)!
تداعی تصویری
Imagine a price tag with so many zeros that it starts to catch fire (ateş pahası).
شبکه واژگان
چالش
Try to go through your room and label five items as 'pahalı' and five as 'ucuz' in Turkish.
ریشه کلمه
Derived from the Persian word 'bahā' (بها) meaning price, value, or worth. It entered Turkish during the Ottoman period.
معنای اصلی: The root 'paha' refers to the intrinsic or market value of an object.
Indo-European (Persian root) + Turkic (suffix).بافت فرهنگی
Be careful when calling a gift 'pahalı' to the person who gave it to you; it might make them feel uncomfortable. Instead, focus on its 'kıymetli' (valuable/precious) nature.
In English-speaking cultures, calling something 'expensive' can sometimes be a subtle way to show off or a direct complaint. In Turkey, it is often a more communal complaint about the state of the economy.
تمرین در زندگی واقعی
موقعیتهای واقعی
Shopping
- Pahalı mı?
- Daha ucuzu var mı?
- Çok pahalı!
- İndirim var mı?
Real Estate
- Kira çok pahalı.
- Ev fiyatları uçtu.
- Pahalı bir semt.
- Uygun bir yer arıyorum.
Restaurants
- Menü çok pahalı.
- Hesap tuzlu geldi.
- Pahalı bir şarap.
- Lüks bir restoran.
Business
- Maliyetler pahalı.
- Yatırım çok pahalı.
- Pahalıya mal oldu.
- Bütçeyi aşıyor.
Travel
- Biletler pahalı.
- Otel çok pahalı.
- Turistik yerler pahalı olur.
- Daha hesaplı bir yol.
شروعکنندههای مکالمه
"Sence bu şehir yaşamak için çok mu pahalı?"
"Bugünlerde en pahalı olan şey nedir?"
"Pahalı hediyeler almayı sever misin?"
"Sence bir telefon için ne kadar para çok pahalıdır?"
"Pahalı bir restorana mı gitmek istersin yoksa sokak lezzetlerine mi?"
موضوعات نگارش
Hayatında aldığın en pahalı şey neydi ve buna değdi mi?
Pahalı bir yaşam tarzı sence mutluluk getirir mi?
Gelecekte nelerin daha pahalı olacağını düşünüyorsun?
Pahalı ama kalitesiz bir ürün aldığında ne hissedersin?
Eğer paran sınırsız olsaydı, hangi pahalı hobiyi edinirdin?
Summary
The word 'pahalı' is your go-to term for anything high-priced. Whether you are at a bazaar or discussing rent, use 'pahalı' to indicate that a cost is high. Remember, the opposite is 'ucuz'. Example: 'Bu araba çok pahalı' (This car is very expensive).
- Primary adjective for 'expensive' in Turkish, used for goods, services, and metaphorical costs.
- Formed from 'paha' (price) and the suffix '-lı' (with/having), literally 'having a price'.
- Essential for shopping, travel, and discussing the economy; its antonym is 'ucuz' (cheap).
- Can be intensified with 'çok' (very) or used in idioms like 'ateş pahası' (extremely expensive).
محتوای مرتبط
واژههای بیشتر daily_life
acaba
A2تعجب می کنم که آیا او می آید. (Acaba gelir mi?)
acıkmak
A2گرسنه شدن. این فعل در زبان ترکی برای بیان احساس نیاز به غذا به کار میرود.
ad
A1name
adeta
B1به معنای 'تقریباً' یا 'گویی'. برای تأکید بر شباهت استفاده میشود. 'اینجا گویی بهشت است.'
adres
A1آدرس مجموعهای از اطلاعات است که نشان میدهد کسی کجا زندگی میکند یا یک ساختمان در کجا واقع شده است.
aksilik
B1بدشانسی یا گرفتگی در کار. 'یک بدشانسی (aksilik) پیش آمد و نتوانستم بیایم.'
akış
B1Flow, stream, or course of events
akşam
A1evening
akşamüstü
B1عصر دیرهنگام با هم ملاقات میکنیم.
almak
A1to take, to buy
