Meaning
The current day.
Cultural Background
The proverb 'Bugünün işini sabaha qoyma' is a cornerstone of Azerbaijani upbringing, emphasizing that time is a fleeting resource. While the languages are very similar, the spelling of 'today' is a major shibboleth. Turks write 'bugün', Azerbaijanis write 'bu gün'. Inviting someone for tea 'bu gün' is often a way to show that you have time for them right now, which is highly valued. The phrase 'Bu günümüzə şükür' is commonly used to express contentment with one's current situation, reflecting a resilient mindset.
The Space Matters
Always remember the space between 'bu' and 'gün'. It's the easiest way to show you know Azerbaijani specifically and aren't just using Turkish rules.
Tense Agreement
While 'bu gün' can be used with future or present tenses, using it with the past tense requires a specific context (e.g., 'I already did it today').
Meaning
The current day.
The Space Matters
Always remember the space between 'bu' and 'gün'. It's the easiest way to show you know Azerbaijani specifically and aren't just using Turkish rules.
Tense Agreement
While 'bu gün' can be used with future or present tenses, using it with the past tense requires a specific context (e.g., 'I already did it today').
Use it for 'Nowadays'
In essays, you can start a sentence with 'Bu gün...' to mean 'In the present era', which sounds very natural and sophisticated.
Gratitude
Adding 'Şükür' after 'bu gün' (Bu günümüzə şükür) is a very common way to sound like a native speaker when asked how you are.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the Azerbaijani word for 'today'.
___ hava çox soyuqdur.
The sentence means 'Today the weather is very cold'.
Which is the correct spelling in Azerbaijani?
How do you write 'today'?
In Azerbaijani, it is always two separate words.
Match the Azerbaijani time words with their English translations.
Match the pairs:
These are the four basic temporal anchors.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Sən ___ işləyirsən? B: Xeyr, mən istirahət edirəm.
The context of the question implies a current state.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Spelling Comparison
Common Phrases with 'Bu gün'
Weather
- • Bu gün hava...
- • Bu gün yağış...
Plans
- • Bu gün gedirəm
- • Bu gün görüşək
Questions
- • Bu gün nə var?
- • Bu gün boşsan?
Practice Bank
4 exercises___ hava çox soyuqdur.
The sentence means 'Today the weather is very cold'.
How do you write 'today'?
In Azerbaijani, it is always two separate words.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
These are the four basic temporal anchors.
A: Sən ___ işləyirsən? B: Xeyr, mən istirahət edirəm.
The context of the question implies a current state.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
12 questionsIn Azerbaijani, it is always 'bu gün' (two words). 'Bugün' is Turkish.
It's better to use 'bu axşam' (this evening) or 'bu gecə' (this night) for more precision.
Use the word 'bugünkü'. Note that here it becomes one word.
No, but it's very common. You can also put it after the subject: 'Mən bu gün gəlirəm'.
It is neutral and used in all registers, from slang to legal documents.
The plural is 'bu günlər', but 'bu günlərdə' (in these days) is much more common.
Yes, in some contexts, but 'günəş' is the more common word for the physical sun today.
Bu gün yox.
No, 'bu gün' is already very short and efficient.
Yes, if the action happened earlier on the same day: 'Bu gün mən onu gördüm' (I saw him today).
'Bu gün' is the whole day; 'hazırda' is right now.
Shape your lips for 'oo' but try to say 'ee'.
Related Phrases
bu günlərdə
similarthese days / lately
bugünkü
specialized formtoday's
günbəgün
builds onday by day
hər gün
similarevery day
dünən
contrastyesterday
sabah
contrasttomorrow
