At the A1 level, you only need to know that 'kariyer' means 'career' and is similar to the English word. You will mostly see it in very simple sentences about what people want to be. At this stage, don't worry about complex grammar. Just remember that it is a noun used to talk about someone's professional life over a long time. You might hear it when people talk about famous people or when someone says 'Kariyer yapmak istiyorum' (I want to have a career). It is a 'loanword,' which means it was taken from another language, so it sounds familiar to English speakers. Focus on identifying the word in simple texts about jobs and hobbies. You don't need to use it in your own speaking much yet, but recognizing it will help you understand more about people's goals. Remember, 'iş' is for a job you have now, and 'kariyer' is for the future and big plans. If you see it in a sentence, look for words like 'başarılı' (successful) or 'yeni' (new) nearby, as these are common pairings for beginners.
For A2 learners, 'kariyer' becomes useful for describing your future plans or talking about someone's biography. You should start using it with simple possessive suffixes like 'kariyerim' (my career) or 'onun kariyeri' (his/her career). You can use it in sentences like 'Kariyerim benim için çok önemli' (My career is very important to me). At this level, you should also be able to distinguish 'kariyer' from 'iş' (job). While 'iş' is where you go today, 'kariyer' is the path you follow. You might encounter this word in reading passages about successful people or in job advertisements. Learn the phrase 'kariyer planı' (career plan) as it is a common compound noun. You can also start using simple adjectives to describe a career, such as 'uzun' (long), 'kısa' (short), or 'zor' (difficult). Try to use it when answering questions like 'Gelecekte ne yapmak istiyorsun?' (What do you want to do in the future?). It shows a higher level of vocabulary than just saying 'iş bulmak' (to find a job).
At the B1 level, you are expected to use 'kariyer' in more complex structures and understand its role in professional contexts. You should be familiar with common collocations like 'kariyer basamakları' (career steps/ladder) and 'kariyer yapmak' (to build a career). You can now use the word with various case endings: 'Kariyerine odaklanmalısın' (You should focus on your career) or 'Kariyerinden memnun musun?' (Are you happy with your career?). This level involves discussing work-life balance and professional development. You should be able to explain your 'kariyer hedefleri' (career goals) in a job interview or a formal conversation. You will also see 'kariyer' used in media and news reports about the economy or famous personalities. Understanding the nuance that 'kariyer' implies progress and ambition is key. You might use it to talk about 'kariyer değişikliği' (career change) and explain the reasons behind such a move using connecting words like 'çünkü' (because) or 'bu yüzden' (therefore).
B2 learners should have a sophisticated grasp of 'kariyer' and its implications in Turkish society. You should be able to discuss complex topics such as 'kariyer yönetimi' (career management), 'kariyer danışmanlığı' (career counseling), and the impact of technology on 'kariyer yolları' (career paths). At this stage, you should use the word fluently in debates about social issues, such as 'kadınların kariyerindeki engeller' (obstacles in women's careers). You can handle idiomatic expressions and metaphors related to professional life. Your usage should reflect an understanding of 'Plaza Türkçesi' (corporate Turkish) where 'kariyer' is a central concept. You should be able to write a cover letter or a professional profile where you highlight your 'kariyer başarıları' (career achievements). You can also use the word in the passive voice or with complex relative clauses, such as 'Hayal ettiğim kariyere ulaşmak için çok çalıştım' (I worked hard to reach the career I dreamed of). Your vocabulary should include related terms like 'terfi' (promotion) and 'donanım' (qualifications/equipment) in relation to building a career.
At the C1 level, you use 'kariyer' with the precision of a native speaker. you understand its subtle connotations in different registers, from academic papers to informal office gossip. You can analyze the sociological aspects of 'kariyer hırsı' (career ambition) and its effects on mental health or family life. You should be able to use the word in high-level business negotiations or academic discussions about human resources and organizational behavior. You are familiar with historical shifts in the meaning of work and how 'kariyer' has replaced more traditional concepts like 'maişet' (livelihood) or 'ekmek parası' (bread money) in modern discourse. You can use advanced grammatical structures, such as 'Kariyerindeki duraklama dönemini avantaja çevirmeyi bildi' (He knew how to turn the stagnant period in his career into an advantage). You should also be aware of the word's use in literature and high-level journalism to describe the 'siyasi kariyer' (political career) of public figures, often with critical or analytical undertones.
C2 proficiency involves a total mastery of 'kariyer' within the broader tapestry of the Turkish language and culture. You can use the word to discuss abstract philosophical concepts, such as the tension between 'bireysel kariyer' (individual career) and 'toplumsal fayda' (social benefit). You are capable of identifying and using the word in sophisticated wordplay, irony, or satirical contexts. Your understanding extends to the etymological roots and how the word's journey from French to Turkish reflects broader Westernization trends. You can write extensive reports or give keynote speeches where 'kariyer' is a thematic pillar, using a wide array of synonyms and related metaphors without repetition. You understand the most obscure collocations and can interpret the 'kariyer' of a nation or a movement metaphorically. At this level, your use of the word is indistinguishable from an educated native speaker, reflecting deep cultural insight and linguistic flexibility across all possible domains of life.

kariyer 30초 만에

  • Kariyer refers to a long-term professional path and growth, distinct from a single job or basic occupation.
  • It is a loanword from French, used frequently in corporate and academic contexts in modern Turkish society.
  • Commonly paired with 'yapmak' (to do/build) and 'basamakları' (steps/ladder) to describe professional advancement.
  • It requires standard Turkish suffixation and is a key term for job interviews and professional networking.

The Turkish word kariyer is a direct loanword from the French 'carrière,' which itself traces back to the Latin 'carraria,' meaning a path for carriages. In modern Turkish, it represents much more than just a job; it signifies the sum total of one's professional journey, achievements, and the progressive stages of a person's working life. While a 'meslek' refers to one's profession or craft (like being an engineer or a carpenter) and 'iş' refers to a specific job or task, kariyer encompasses the long-term trajectory and the strategic moves one makes to advance within a field.

Professional Context
In the corporate world of Istanbul or Ankara, this word is ubiquitous. It is used to discuss promotions, long-term goals, and professional development. For example, 'kariyer planlaması' refers to the strategic mapping of one's future roles.

Yeni mezunlar için kariyer basamaklarını tırmanmak bazen zorlayıcı olabilir.

The term is also deeply embedded in the 'Plaza Türkçesi' (Plaza Turkish), a sociolect used by white-collar workers in business districts like Levent or Maslak. In this context, it often appears in phrases like 'kariyer odaklı' (career-oriented) or 'kariyerinde sıçrama yapmak' (to make a leap in one's career). It conveys a sense of ambition and structured progress. Unlike 'çalışma hayatı' (working life), which is more general, kariyer implies a conscious effort to improve one's status, skills, and salary over time.

Academic and Personal Growth
Students are often encouraged to think about their 'akademik kariyer' (academic career) early on. This isn't just about getting a degree, but about publishing papers, attending conferences, and building a reputation in the scholarly community.

Onun kariyer yolculuğu herkes için büyük bir ilham kaynağı oldu.

Furthermore, the concept of 'kariyer' in Turkey has evolved significantly over the last few decades. Historically, job security (garantili iş) was the primary focus, often associated with government positions (memurluk). However, with the liberalisation of the economy, the younger generation views a kariyer as a dynamic path that might involve changing companies, sectors, or even starting a 'girişim' (startup). This shift highlights the modern Turkish emphasis on individual achievement and adaptability.

Social Perception
In social settings, asking someone about their 'kariyer' is a common icebreaker among young professionals, though it might be seen as overly formal or 'corporate' in more traditional or relaxed family gatherings.

Başarılı bir kariyer için sadece çalışmak yetmez, aynı zamanda doğru bağlantılar kurmak gerekir.

Sporcular için sakatlıklar, profesyonel kariyerlerini aniden bitirebilir.

Şirketimiz, çalışanlarına kariyer geliştirme fırsatları sunmaktadır.

Using the word kariyer correctly in Turkish involves understanding its common verb pairings and noun compounds. Because it is a loanword, it behaves like a standard Turkish noun regarding vowel harmony and suffixation. However, its usage is often linked to the verb 'yapmak' (to do/make), creating the phrase 'kariyer yapmak,' which means to build or pursue a career.

Common Verb Pairings
The most frequent verbs used with kariyer are 'yapmak' (to build), 'planlamak' (to plan), 'yönetmek' (to manage), and 'bitirmek' (to end/finish). For instance, 'Kariyerimi bu şirkette yapmak istiyorum' means 'I want to build my career at this company.'

Genç yaşta bu kadar başarılı bir kariyer yapmak herkesin harcı değildir.

When describing the progression of a career, Turks often use the metaphor of a ladder: 'kariyer basamakları.' To climb these steps, you would say 'kariyer basamaklarını tırmanmak.' This implies a steady and successful rise through organizational ranks. If someone takes a break, they might say 'kariyerine ara vermek' (to take a break from one's career), often used in contexts like maternity leave or sabbatical years.

Possessive Forms
Because it ends in a consonant, possessive suffixes are straightforward: kariyerim (my career), kariyerin (your career), kariyeri (his/her/its career). Note that in the third person 'onun kariyeri,' the 'i' is the possessive marker.

Kendi kariyerini tehlikeye atmak istemiyor.

In more formal or academic writing, you will encounter 'kariyer gelişimi' (career development) and 'kariyer danışmanlığı' (career counseling). These are treated as compound nouns (isim tamlaması). In these cases, 'kariyer' acts as the qualifying noun. For example, 'Kariyer günleri' (career days) are common events at Turkish universities where companies recruit students.

The Dative and Ablative Cases
Use 'kariyere' when indicating direction or purpose (e.g., kariyere odaklanmak - to focus on career) and 'kariyerden' when indicating origin or separation (e.g., kariyerden beklentiler - expectations from a career).

Hangi kariyer yolunu seçeceğine henüz karar vermedi.

Onun kariyerindeki en büyük dönüm noktası bu projeydi.

Sadece maaş için değil, kariyer imkanları için bu işi kabul etti.

The word kariyer is a staple of modern life in Turkey, especially in urban settings. You will hear it most frequently in professional environments, educational institutions, and media discussions about success and the economy. It has a slightly prestigious tone compared to 'iş' (job), making it the preferred term for LinkedIn profiles, CVs (özgeçmiş), and corporate seminars.

In the Office
Managers use it during performance reviews. You might hear: 'Kariyer hedeflerinizi gözden geçirelim' (Let's review your career goals). It’s also common in water-cooler talk when discussing someone's promotion: 'Müdürlük onun kariyeri için büyük bir adım' (The manager position is a big step for his career).

Şirket içi kariyer fırsatlarını takip etmelisiniz.

Television news and business programs frequently use kariyer when interviewing successful entrepreneurs or CEOs. They often ask, 'Kariyerinizin başında ne gibi zorluklarla karşılaştınız?' (What challenges did you face at the beginning of your career?). In this context, it frames the person's life as a narrative of professional evolution. Similarly, sports commentators use it to describe the lifespan of an athlete, often discussing a 'parlak kariyer' (brilliant career) or a 'kariyer sonu' (end of career).

At Universities
Turkish universities have 'Kariyer Merkezleri' (Career Centers) that help students find internships and jobs. During graduation season, speeches are filled with references to the 'yeni başlayacak kariyerler' (careers that are about to begin).

Birçok insan otuzundan sonra kariyer değişikliği yapmaya karar veriyor.

Finally, the word appears in the titles of books and podcasts focused on self-improvement. 'Kariyer Mimarı' (Career Architect) or 'Kariyer Sohbetleri' (Career Chats) are common titles. It reflects a cultural trend where work is seen as a project to be designed and managed, rather than just a means to an end. This usage is particularly strong among Gen Z and Millennials in Turkey who prioritize work-life balance and meaningful 'kariyer yolları' (career paths).

In Everyday Speech
Even in casual settings, if someone is very dedicated to their work, a friend might jokingly say, 'Kariyer adamı oldun çıktın' (You've turned into a real career man/professional).

Bu ödül, onun uzun kariyerinin bir tacı niteliğindedir.

Siyasi kariyerine yerel yönetimlerde başladı.

Uluslararası bir kariyer hayal ediyordu.

While kariyer is a straightforward loanword, learners often stumble over its specific usage compared to related words like 'iş' and 'meslek.' Understanding these distinctions is crucial for sounding natural. The most common mistake is using 'kariyer' when you simply mean 'job' or 'daily work.'

Kariyer vs. İş
'İş' refers to the specific tasks you do or the place you go to work. You go to 'iş' every morning, but you build a 'kariyer' over years. Don't say 'Bugün kariyerim çok yoğun' (My career is very busy today); instead, say 'Bugün işim çok yoğun' (My work is very busy today).

Yanlış: Yarın kariyere gitmeyeceğim.
Doğru: Yarın işe gitmeyeceğim.

Another frequent error involves the distinction between 'meslek' and kariyer. 'Meslek' is your profession—the thing you are trained to do (doctor, lawyer, teacher). 'Kariyer' is how you practice that profession and progress in it. You can have a 'meslek' without necessarily pursuing an ambitious 'kariyer.' For example, 'Öğretmenlik bir meslektir, ama okul müdürü olmak bir kariyer hedefidir' (Teaching is a profession, but becoming a school principal is a career goal).

Verb Misuse
Learners sometimes try to use 'kariyer' as a verb by adding '-lemek' or '-leşmek.' These forms do not exist. You must use auxiliary verbs like 'yapmak' or 'yönetmek.' Also, avoid using 'kariyer almak' (to take a career); the correct phrase is usually 'kariyer sahibi olmak' (to have a career/be a professional).

Yanlış: Kariyerimi bitirmek için üniversiteye gidiyorum.
Doğru: Eğitimimi tamamlamak için üniversiteye gidiyorum.

Finally, be careful with pluralization. In English, we rarely say 'careers' unless talking about multiple people. The same applies to Turkish. Using 'kariyerler' when talking about your own various jobs sounds strange. Stick to the singular 'kariyer' to represent your whole professional path. Also, 'kariyer yapmak' is a set phrase; don't replace 'yapmak' with 'etmek,' which is often used for other loanwords but not this one.

The 'Professional' Confusion
Sometimes people use 'kariyer' as an adjective to mean 'professional.' This is incorrect. Use 'profesyonel' or 'mesleki' instead. For example, 'profesyonel gelişim' (professional development), not 'kariyer gelişim' (though 'kariyer gelişimi' as a compound noun is fine).

Kariyer planı yaparken dürüst olmak gerekir.

Hatalarınızdan ders çıkararak kariyerinizi güçlendirebilirsiniz.

To truly master the semantic field of work in Turkish, you need to know how kariyer compares to its synonyms and near-synonyms. While 'kariyer' is the most modern and corporate term, other words offer different nuances depending on the context of the work being done.

Meslek (Profession/Vocation)
This word comes from Arabic and refers to the trade or profession you have mastered. It is more about the 'what' of your work. Kariyer is about the 'how' and 'how far.' Someone's 'meslek' might be 'avukat' (lawyer), but their 'kariyer' includes their time as a junior associate, partner, and perhaps a judge.

Babasının meslekini devam ettirmek istiyor ama farklı bir kariyer yolu çiziyor.

Another alternative is 'iş,' which is the most general word for work or job. 'İş' can be used for anything from 'ev işi' (housework) to 'iş dünyası' (business world). If you want to talk about your daily employment, 'iş' is better. If you want to talk about your life's work and advancement, use kariyer. There is also 'uğraş' (occupation/pursuit), which is more poetic or used for hobbies that take up a lot of time.

Özgeçmiş vs. Kariyer
While 'özgeçmiş' (CV/Resume) is the document that lists your history, your kariyer is the history itself. You might say 'Kariyerimdeki tüm başarılar özgeçmişimde yazılı' (All the successes in my career are written in my CV).

Gelecekteki kariyeri için her türlü fedakarlığı yapmaya hazır.

For academic contexts, 'akademik hayat' or 'akademik geçmiş' are sometimes used instead of 'akademik kariyer,' though the latter is becoming the standard. In creative fields, you might hear 'sanat hayatı' (artistic life) to describe a painter's or musician's career. This sounds slightly more prestigious or traditional than the corporate-sounding kariyer.

Key Differences
- Kariyer: Long-term, growth-oriented, modern.
- Meslek: Skill-based, permanent identity.
- İş: Task-based, immediate employment.
- Çalışma Hayatı: General term for all working years.

Başarılı bir kariyerin anahtarı sürekli öğrenmektir.

O, hem iyi bir anne hem de başarılı bir kariyer kadını.

Yeni bir kariyer başlangıcı yapmak için hiçbir zaman geç değildir.

수준별 예문

1

Benim babamın çok güzel bir kariyeri var.

My father has a very beautiful career.

Uses the possessive 'babamın' and 'kariyeri' (his career).

2

Kariyer yapmak istiyorum.

I want to have a career.

Standard phrase 'kariyer yapmak'.

3

O, başarılı bir kariyer istiyor.

She/He wants a successful career.

Adjective 'başarılı' modifying 'kariyer'.

4

Kariyer nedir?

What is a career?

Simple question structure with 'nedir'.

5

Yeni bir kariyer başlıyor.

A new career is starting.

Subject-verb agreement.

6

Doktorlar için kariyer zordur.

Career is difficult for doctors.

Dative plural 'doktorlar için'.

7

Onun kariyeri çok kısa sürdü.

His/Her career lasted very short.

Third person possessive 'kariyeri'.

8

Kariyer planın var mı?

Do you have a career plan?

Question particle 'mi/mı'.

1

Gelecekteki kariyerim için İngilizce öğreniyorum.

I am learning English for my future career.

Dative case 'için' used with 'kariyerim'.

2

Kariyerine odaklanmak istiyor.

He/She wants to focus on his/her career.

Dative case 'kariyerine' after the verb 'odaklanmak'.

3

Üniversiteden sonra kariyerime başladım.

I started my career after university.

Ablative 'üniversiteden' and dative 'kariyerime'.

4

Hangi kariyer yolunu seçeceksin?

Which career path will you choose?

Future tense 'seçeceksin'.

5

Kariyer günlerine katıldım.

I attended career days.

Compound noun 'kariyer günleri'.

6

Onun kariyeri müzikle ilgili.

His/Her career is related to music.

Postposition 'ilgili' (related to).

7

Kariyerinde çok başarılı oldu.

He/She became very successful in his/her career.

Locative case 'kariyerinde'.

8

Başarılı bir kariyer için çok çalışmalısın.

You must work hard for a successful career.

Necessitative mood '-malısın'.

1

Kariyer basamaklarını yavaş yavaş tırmanıyor.

He is climbing the career ladder step by step.

Metaphorical use of 'basamak' (step).

2

Kariyer hedeflerimi gerçekleştirmek için bu işi kabul ettim.

I accepted this job to realize my career goals.

Infinitive 'gerçekleştirmek' with 'için'.

3

Kariyerine bir süre ara vermeye karar verdi.

She decided to take a break from her career for a while.

Dative case 'kariyerine' with 'ara vermek'.

4

Kariyer değişikliği yapmak her zaman kolay değildir.

Making a career change is not always easy.

Negative 'değildir'.

5

Kariyer planlaması yaparken uzmanlara danışmalısın.

You should consult experts while doing career planning.

Adverbial '-ken' (while).

6

Birçok sporcu kariyerini sakatlık yüzünden bitiriyor.

Many athletes end their careers because of injury.

Ablative 'yüzünden' (because of).

7

Kariyer imkanları bu şehirde daha fazla.

Career opportunities are more in this city.

Comparative 'daha fazla'.

8

Kariyerinde yeni bir sayfa açmak istiyor.

He/She wants to open a new page in his/her career.

Idiomatic expression 'sayfa açmak'.

1

Kariyer hırsı bazen aile hayatını olumsuz etkileyebilir.

Career ambition can sometimes negatively affect family life.

Potential mood '-ebilir'.

2

Kariyer yolculuğumda bana destek olan herkese teşekkür ederim.

I thank everyone who supported me in my career journey.

Relative clause 'destek olan'.

3

Kariyer yönetimi konusunda seminerlere katılıyorum.

I am attending seminars on career management.

Noun compound 'kariyer yönetimi'.

4

Bu kriz dönemi onun kariyeri için bir sınav olacak.

This crisis period will be a test for his career.

Future tense 'olacak'.

5

Kariyerinde zirveye ulaştığında her şey daha farklıydı.

Everything was different when he reached the peak of his career.

Adverbial '-duğunda' (when).

6

Kariyer odaklı bir insan olduğu için tatil yapmayı sevmiyor.

Since he is a career-oriented person, he doesn't like taking vacations.

Causal conjunction 'olduğu için'.

7

Kariyerinde elde ettiği başarılar takdire şayandır.

The successes he achieved in his career are worth praising.

Relative clause 'elde ettiği'.

8

Kariyer gelişimini desteklemek için şirket içi eğitimler veriliyor.

In-house trainings are given to support career development.

Passive voice 'veriliyor'.

1

Kariyerindeki bu ani düşüşün sebepleri derinlemesine araştırılmalı.

The reasons for this sudden decline in his career should be researched in depth.

Passive necessitative mood '-ılmalı'.

2

Kariyer basamaklarını tırmanırken etik değerlerden ödün vermemeli.

One should not compromise on ethical values while climbing the career ladder.

Negative necessitative '-memeli'.

3

Kariyer danışmanları, bireylerin potansiyellerini keşfetmelerine yardımcı olur.

Career counselors help individuals discover their potentials.

Dative infinitive 'keşfetmelerine'.

4

Akademik kariyerine yurt dışında devam etme kararı aldı.

He decided to continue his academic career abroad.

Compound noun 'akademik kariyer'.

5

Kariyerindeki en büyük risk, konfor alanından çıkmamaktı.

The biggest risk in his career was not leaving his comfort zone.

Infinitive with past tense 'çıkmamaktı'.

6

Siyasi kariyeri, toplumsal olaylarla şekillendi.

His political career was shaped by social events.

Passive voice 'şekillendi'.

7

Kariyer hedefleri ile kişisel değerleri arasında bir denge kurmaya çalışıyor.

He is trying to establish a balance between career goals and personal values.

Postposition 'arasında' (between).

8

Kariyer sahibi olmak, sadece yüksek maaş almak demek değildir.

Having a career does not only mean receiving a high salary.

Gerund 'demek' used as a noun.

1

Kariyerizmin modern toplum üzerindeki tahribatları yadsınamaz bir gerçektir.

The destruction of careerism on modern society is an undeniable fact.

Advanced noun 'kariyerizm' and passive participle 'yadsınamaz'.

2

O, kariyerini bir amaç değil, topluma hizmet etmek için bir araç olarak görüyor.

He sees his career not as a goal, but as a tool to serve society.

Contrastive structure 'değil... olarak'.

3

Kariyerindeki bu kırılma noktası, onu bambaşka bir hayat felsefesine sürükledi.

This breaking point in his career led him to a completely different philosophy of life.

Intensive adjective 'bambaşka'.

4

Kariyer basamaklarının en tepesindeyken bile mütevazılığını korumayı başardı.

He managed to maintain his humility even when he was at the very top of the career ladder.

Concessive '-ken bile' (even when).

5

Profesyonel kariyerin getirdiği sorumluluklar, bazen bireyin özgürlüğünü kısıtlayabilir.

The responsibilities brought by a professional career can sometimes restrict an individual's freedom.

Relative clause 'getirdiği'.

6

Kariyer yolculuğunda karşılaşılan engeller, aslında birer öğrenme fırsatıdır.

Obstacles encountered in the career journey are actually each a learning opportunity.

Distributive numeral 'birer'.

7

Kurumsal kariyer yapısı, yaratıcılığı törpüleyen bir mekanizmaya dönüşebilir.

The corporate career structure can turn into a mechanism that erodes creativity.

Relative clause 'törpüleyen'.

8

Kariyer planlarını, değişen dünya konjonktürüne göre revize etmek zorundadırlar.

They have to revise their career plans according to the changing world conjuncture.

Necessitative 'zorundadırlar'.

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