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A2 noun 10 min read

avukat

Examples avukat in 30 Seconds
Explanation avukat in your Level:
At the A1 level, you should recognize avukat as a basic job title. Just like you learn 'teacher' (öğretmen) or 'doctor' (doktor), 'avukat' is a person who works with the law. You should be able to say 'I am a lawyer' (Ben avukatım) or 'This is a lawyer' (Bu bir avukat). At this stage, you don't need to know complex legal terms, but you should be able to use the word in simple sentences with the verb 'to be' and basic possessives like 'my lawyer' (benim avukatım). Focus on the pronunciation: ah-voo-KAT. It is a very common word in Turkish society, so learning it early helps you describe people's professions in basic introductions. You might also see it on signs in the street, so recognizing the spelling is useful for basic navigation. Remember that in Turkish, we don't always need the word 'a' (bir), so 'O avukat' can simply mean 'He/She is a lawyer.' This is one of the first 500 words most students learn because of its international roots and clear meaning.
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At the A2 level, you begin to use avukat in more functional ways. You should be able to talk about hiring a lawyer (avukat tutmak) or visiting a lawyer's office (avukatın ofisine gitmek). You are now expected to apply basic case endings. For example, 'I am talking to the lawyer' (Avukatla konuşuyorum) or 'I see the lawyer' (Avukatı görüyorum). You should also understand the plural form avukatlar. At this stage, you might encounter the word in simple dialogues about problems, like a landlord dispute or a lost document. You should know that 'avukat' is a respected profession and that you can add 'Bey' or 'Hanım' to be polite. You are also learning that Turkish nouns change their endings to show direction or possession, and 'avukat' is a perfect word to practice these rules because it follows the standard 'a-type' vowel harmony. You might also start to see compound nouns like 'iş avukatı' (business lawyer) in basic reading materials.
By the B1 level, you can use avukat in more complex discussions about rights and responsibilities. You can describe what a lawyer does: 'Avukatlar insanları mahkemede savunur' (Lawyers defend people in court). You should be comfortable using the word with various tenses and moods. For example, 'Avukat tutmamız gerekebilir' (We might need to hire a lawyer). You are also becoming aware of the specific verbs that go with 'avukat', such as danışmak (to consult). You can understand short news articles about legal cases where the word appears. At this level, you should also distinguish between an avukat and other legal figures like a noter (notary) or hâkim (judge). You can participate in a conversation about career choices and explain why someone might want to become an avukat, mentioning things like 'adalet' (justice) or 'hukuk' (law). Your understanding of the word is no longer just a label but a role within a larger social system.
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At the B2 level, your use of avukat includes nuanced professional contexts. You can discuss different specializations, such as ceza avukatı (criminal lawyer) or miras avukatı (inheritance lawyer). You understand the legal weight of the term, such as the concept of avukat-müvekkil gizliliği (attorney-client privilege). You can follow more detailed news reports and even TV dramas where legal strategy is discussed. You are comfortable with the genitive-possessive chains like avukatın savunma stratejisi (the lawyer's defense strategy). At this level, you can also use the word in hypothetical situations: 'Eğer avukat olsaydım, bu davayı kabul etmezdim' (If I were a lawyer, I wouldn't accept this case). You are aware of the professional organization they belong to, the Baro. Your vocabulary is rich enough to use synonyms or more formal terms like hukukçu when appropriate for the register of the conversation.
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At the C1 level, you understand avukat within the broader framework of the Turkish judicial system and its history. You can read academic articles or legal opinions where the role of the avukat is analyzed in terms of constitutional law or human rights. You are familiar with formal terms like müdafi (defense counsel) used in criminal proceedings and can distinguish the subtle differences in usage between avukat and vekil in high-level legal documents. You can discuss the ethics of the profession and the Avukatlık Kanunu (Law on Attorneyship). Your comprehension allows you to catch wordplay or metaphors involving lawyers in literature. You can express complex ideas such as 'the lawyer's duty to the court versus their duty to the client' using sophisticated Turkish structures. You are also aware of the sociopolitical role that Bar Associations (Barolar) play in Turkish civil society, showing a deep cultural and linguistic integration.
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At the C2 level, you have a masterly command of the word avukat and its place in the Turkish language. You can interpret the most complex legal texts, including those with archaic Ottoman-era terminology that might still appear in historical legal contexts. You can engage in high-level debates about legal philosophy, the evolution of the avukat's role from the 'dava vekili' of the past to the modern professional. You understand every nuance of tone, from the sarcastic use of 'avukat' for someone who argues too much (avukatlık yapma! - don't play the lawyer!), to the most formal addresses in the High Courts. You can write professional-grade legal correspondence or academic papers on the legal profession. Your understanding of the word is indistinguishable from that of a highly educated native speaker, encompassing its legal, social, historical, and idiomatic dimensions effortlessly.
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Examples

avukat in 30 Seconds

  • Avukat means lawyer or attorney in Turkish. It is a noun used for legal professionals.
  • The word is borrowed from French 'avocat' and is used for both men and women.
  • In sentences, it often takes suffixes like -ım (my), -ı (accusative), or -lar (plural).
  • It is a highly respected profession in Turkey, requiring university education and a Bar license.

The Turkish word avukat refers to a legal professional, specifically a lawyer or an attorney-at-law. In the Turkish legal system, the role of an avukat is broad, encompassing both the duties of a solicitor and a barrister as found in common law systems. This word is fundamental for anyone navigating administrative, personal, or corporate legal matters in Turkey. Whether you are dealing with a property purchase, a business contract, or a more complex judicial proceeding, the avukat is your primary guide and representative.

Professional Designation
In Turkey, to be called an avukat, one must graduate from a law faculty, complete a one-year internship (staj), and be registered with a local Bar Association (Baro).

The term is used in both formal and informal settings. In a formal courtroom setting, you might address them as Sayın Avukat (Esteemed Lawyer), whereas in daily conversation, you might simply say avukatım (my lawyer) when referring to your legal counsel. The word carries a sense of authority and specialized knowledge.

Yeni bir iş kurarken mutlaka iyi bir avukat ile çalışmalısınız.

Translation: When starting a new business, you must definitely work with a good lawyer.

Culturally, the profession is highly respected in Turkey. Families often take great pride in having an avukat among their members. Historically, the Turkish legal system underwent significant modernization during the early Republican era, transitioning from religious courts to a secular civil law system based largely on Swiss and Italian models. This transition solidified the role of the modern avukat as a protector of secular rights and legal standards.

Usage in Disputes
If someone threatens legal action, they might say "Seni avukatıma vereceğim!" which literally means "I will give you to my lawyer," but translates functionally to "I'll have my lawyer deal with you!"

Furthermore, the word appears in various bureaucratic contexts. For instance, a baro avukatı refers to a public defender or a lawyer assigned by the bar association for those who cannot afford one. Understanding this word is not just about vocabulary; it is about understanding the Turkish approach to justice and civic duty. The avukat is the bridge between the complex language of the state and the needs of the individual citizen.

Mahkemede beni temsil etmesi için bir avukat tuttum.

Translation: I hired a lawyer to represent me in court.

In literature and media, the avukat is a common character archetype, often representing the struggle for truth or, conversely, the manipulation of the law. Popular Turkish TV dramas (diziler) frequently feature high-stakes legal battles, making the term a household word even for those who have never stepped foot in a courtroom. In essence, the avukat is the personification of the rule of law in the Turkish social fabric.

Using avukat correctly in a sentence requires an understanding of Turkish syntax and case endings. Since avukat is a noun, it can take various suffixes depending on its role in the sentence. In Turkish, the verb usually comes at the end, and the noun's relationship to the verb is indicated by these suffixes.

Subject Case (Nominative)
When the lawyer is the one performing the action: Avukat dosyayı inceledi. (The lawyer examined the file.)

When you want to indicate possession, you use the genitive case on the possessor and a possessive suffix on the noun. For example, to say "the lawyer's office," you would say avukatın ofisi. Notice how avukat takes the -ın suffix. This is a key part of Turkish grammar that learners at the A2 level should start to master.

Avukatın tavsiyesi üzerine beklemeye karar verdik.

Translation: We decided to wait upon the lawyer's advice.

If the lawyer is the direct object of the sentence (the one being hired, called, or seen), you use the accusative case. For example: Avukatı aradım. (I called the lawyer.) The suffix -ı is added because of the vowel harmony with the 'a' in the final syllable of avukat. If you are going to the lawyer, you use the dative case: Avukata gidiyorum. (I am going to the lawyer.)

Pluralization
The plural of avukat is avukatlar. For example: Avukatlar toplantı salonunda bekliyorlar. (The lawyers are waiting in the meeting room.)

In more complex sentences, avukat can be part of a compound noun. For instance, aile avukatı (family lawyer) or şirket avukatı (company lawyer). In these cases, the second noun takes the third-person possessive suffix -ı/-i/-u/-ü. This structure is vital for describing specific types of legal professionals.

Duruşma sırasında avukatlar arasında sert tartışmalar yaşandı.

Translation: During the hearing, there were heated arguments between the lawyers.

Finally, remember that Turkish is an agglutinative language. You can build very long words starting with avukat. While rare in daily speech, you might see avukatlaştırılamayanlardanmışsınız in a grammar exercise (meaning something like "you were apparently one of those who could not be made into a lawyer"). Stick to the basics first, but appreciate the flexibility of the word!

You will encounter the word avukat in several distinct environments in Turkey. Understanding these contexts helps you grasp the cultural nuances of the word beyond its dictionary definition. From the bustling corridors of an Adliye (Courthouse) to the living rooms of Turkish families watching the evening news, the word is ubiquitous.

The Courthouse (Adliye)
This is the primary habitat of the avukat. You will hear it announced over speakers, see it on office doors, and hear people discussing their cases. Signs like Avukat Bekleme Salonu (Lawyer Waiting Room) are common.

In the Turkish media, avukatlar are frequently interviewed to explain new laws or high-profile court cases. On news channels like TRT Haber or NTV, you will often see a banner that says Avukat [Name] as they provide expert commentary. This has made legal terminology quite accessible to the general public.

Televizyondaki avukat yeni vergi kanununu çok iyi açıkladı.

Translation: The lawyer on TV explained the new tax law very well.

Turkish pop culture, especially the world-famous diziler (TV series), is another major source. Series like "Yargı" (The Judgment) or "Avukat" center entirely around the legal profession. In these shows, you'll hear the word used in emotional outbursts, tactical planning, and professional interactions, providing a rich tapestry of how the word sounds in various tones of voice.

Daily Disputes
In everyday life, if there is a disagreement over a rental contract or a traffic accident, someone might say, "Avukatımla görüşün" (Speak with my lawyer). It is a way to signal that the matter is serious and will be handled through formal channels.

Lastly, you will hear it in academic and professional circles. Law students in Turkey are often referred to as geleceğin avukatları (lawyers of the future). In business meetings, the phrase şirket avukatımız (our company lawyer) is used to introduce the person responsible for legal compliance. Whether in the heights of the Supreme Court (Yargıtay) or in a local real estate office, the avukat is a central figure in Turkish life.

For English speakers learning Turkish, the word avukat presents a few pitfalls, mostly related to grammar and professional distinctions. Understanding these common errors will help you sound more natural and avoid confusion in legal or formal situations.

Confusing with Other Legal Roles
A common mistake is using avukat when you actually mean savcı (prosecutor) or hâkim (judge). While all are legal professionals, their roles are strictly separated in Turkey. An avukat represents a client, while the savcı represents the state.

Suffix application is another area where learners struggle. Because avukat ends in a hard consonant 't', when you add a suffix starting with a vowel, you might expect the 't' to change to a 'd' (a process called ünsüz yumuşaması). However, avukat is a loanword from French, and in many loanwords, this rule is not applied. So, it remains avukatı, NOT avukadı. This is a very frequent error for intermediate students.

Yanlış: Avukadı aradım.
Doğru: Avukatı aradım.

Explanation: The 't' does not soften to 'd' in this specific word.

Another mistake involves the verb 'to hire'. English speakers often try to translate 'hire' literally as kiralamak (which is used for cars or houses). You cannot kiralamak a lawyer. You must use tutmak (to hold/hire) or anlaşmak (to agree/contract with). Saying "Avukat kiraladım" will sound very strange and slightly offensive to a Turkish speaker.

Misusing 'Lider' or 'Vekil'
Sometimes learners use vekil interchangeably with avukat. While milletvekili means a Member of Parliament, vekil in a legal context means 'proxy' or 'attorney-in-fact'. While a lawyer is a vekil, not every vekil is a lawyer.

Lastly, be careful with the plural. In English, we might say "the legal team," but in Turkish, it's more common to refer to the specific avukatlar or the hukuk departmanı. Avoid direct translations of idioms like "lawyering up," which don't have a direct equivalent in Turkish using the word avukat; instead, use the verb vekalet vermek (to give power of attorney).

While avukat is the most common term for a lawyer, Turkish has several related words that describe different facets of the legal profession or provide more formal alternatives. Knowing these will help you refine your vocabulary and understand more complex texts.

Hukukçu
This means 'jurist' or 'legal expert'. While an avukat is always a hukukçu, a hukukçu might be a professor of law or a legal consultant who doesn't necessarily practice in court.
Müdafi
A more formal, slightly archaic term meaning 'defense counsel'. It is still used in formal criminal law contexts to refer to the lawyer defending the accused.
Vekil
Meaning 'representative' or 'proxy'. In a legal power of attorney document (vekaletname), the lawyer is referred to as the vekil.

If you are looking for a more specific type of lawyer, Turkish uses descriptive prefixes. For example, a boşanma avukatı is a divorce lawyer, and a ceza avukatı is a criminal lawyer. These are not separate words but compound nouns that specify the field of expertise.

O, şehrin en ünlü ceza avukatlarından biridir.

Translation: He is one of the most famous criminal lawyers in the city.

In some contexts, you might hear danışman (consultant) used if the lawyer's role is purely advisory. However, hukuk danışmanı (legal consultant) is the precise term for a lawyer who works in-house or provides advice without litigation. For those who handle the administrative side of law, noter (notary) is a distinct profession in Turkey with different authorities than an avukat.

Finally, for those interested in the history of the language, the Ottoman-era word for lawyer was dava vekili. While you won't hear this in modern daily speech, you might encounter it in historical novels or old legal documents. Today, avukat has completely replaced it in the modern Turkish lexicon, reflecting the nation's 20th-century legal reforms.

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Examples by Level

1

O bir avukat.

He/She is a lawyer.

Basic 'Subject + Noun' structure.

2

Benim babam avukat.

My father is a lawyer.

Possessive 'benim' + noun.

3

Avukat nerede?

Where is the lawyer?

Interrogative 'nerede' (where).

4

Bu avukat çok iyi.

This lawyer is very good.

Demonstrative 'bu' (this).

5

Avukat burada.

The lawyer is here.

Locative 'burada' (here).

6

Sen avukat mısın?

Are you a lawyer?

Question particle 'mısın'.

7

Avukat ofiste.

The lawyer is in the office.

Locative suffix '-de'.

8

Genç bir avukat.

A young lawyer.

Adjective + 'bir' + noun.

1

Yarın bir avukatla görüşeceğim.

I will meet with a lawyer tomorrow.

Future tense + 'ile' (with).

2

Avukatın ofisi çok büyük.

The lawyer's office is very big.

Genitive-possessive construction.

3

Lütfen avukatı arayın.

Please call the lawyer.

Accusative case '-ı'.

4

Avukata soru sordum.

I asked the lawyer a question.

Dative case '-a'.

5

Bizim avukatımız çok tecrübeli.

Our lawyer is very experienced.

1st person plural possessive '-ımız'.

6

Avukatlar toplantıdalar.

The lawyers are in a meeting.

Plural '-lar' + locative '-da'.

7

Yeni bir avukat tutmak istiyorum.

I want to hire a new lawyer.

Infinitive '-mak' + 'istiyorum'.

8

Avukattan yardım istedik.

We asked for help from the lawyer.

Ablative case '-tan' (from).

1

Avukat olmadan bu sözleşmeyi imzalama.

Do not sign this contract without a lawyer.

Negative adverbial '-madan'.

2

Avukatın ne dediğini anlamadım.

I didn't understand what the lawyer said.

Object participle '-diğini'.

3

Bir avukata danışmanızda fayda var.

It is useful for you to consult a lawyer.

Verbal noun '-ma' + possessive.

4

Avukat bey henüz gelmedi.

The lawyer (Mr.) hasn't arrived yet.

Polite title 'Bey'.

5

Dün akşam avukatımla yemek yedim.

I had dinner with my lawyer last night.

Past tense + instrumental case.

6

Hangi avukat bu davayı alacak?

Which lawyer will take this case?

Interrogative 'hangi'.

7

Avukatın savunması çok etkileyiciydi.

The lawyer's defense was very impressive.

Compound noun + past tense of 'to be'.

8

Avukat olmak için çok çalışmalısın.

You must work hard to become a lawyer.

Necessitative mood '-malısın'.

1

Avukat, müvekkilinin haklarını korumakla yükümlüdür.

A lawyer is obliged to protect their client's rights.

Formal 'is/are' suffix '-dır'.

2

Şirket avukatımız tüm belgeleri onayladı.

Our company lawyer approved all the documents.

Compound noun 'şirket avukatı'.

3

Avukatın itirazı mahkeme tarafından reddedildi.

The lawyer's objection was rejected by the court.

Passive voice 'reddedildi'.

4

İyi bir avukat, detaylara her zaman dikkat eder.

A good lawyer always pays attention to details.

Aorist tense for general truths.

5

Avukatlık mesleği büyük bir sorumluluk gerektirir.

The profession of law requires great responsibility.

Abstract noun suffix '-lık'.

6

Baro, yeni mezun avukatlar için bir tören düzenledi.

The Bar Association organized a ceremony for newly graduated lawyers.

Plural dative case.

7

Avukatıma vekalet vermek için notere gittim.

I went to the notary to give power of attorney to my lawyer.

Purpose clause with '-mak için'.

8

Avukatın konuşması davanın seyrini değiştirdi.

The lawyer's speech changed the course of the case.

Genitive chain.

1

Avukatın sunduğu deliller davanın sonucunu belirledi.

The evidence presented by the lawyer determined the outcome of the case.

Relative clause with '-duğu'.

2

Savunma makamındaki avukat, usul hatalarına dikkat çekti.

The lawyer for the defense drew attention to procedural errors.

Locative participle '-daki'.

3

Avukatlık Kanunu'na göre bu işlem geçersizdir.

According to the Law on Attorneyship, this process is invalid.

Postposition 'göre' (according to).

4

Tecrübeli avukat, çapraz sorgu sırasında tanığı köşeye sıkıştırdı.

The experienced lawyer cornered the witness during cross-examination.

Idiomatic expression 'köşeye sıkıştırmak'.

5

Avukatın etik kurallara bağlılığı meslek hayatı boyunca sürdü.

The lawyer's commitment to ethical rules lasted throughout their professional life.

Temporal adverbial 'boyunca'.

6

Bir avukatın en önemli silahı, ikna kabiliyetidir.

A lawyer's most important weapon is their ability to persuade.

Superlative 'en' + genitive.

7

Avukatlar, adaletin tesisi için vazgeçilmez bir unsurdur.

Lawyers are an indispensable element for the establishment of justice.

Formal predicate structure.

8

Avukatın hazırladığı dilekçe mahkemeye sunuldu.

The petition prepared by the lawyer was submitted to the court.

Passive participle + dative.

1

Hukuk devleti ilkesi, bağımsız bir avukatlık müessesesini şart koşar.

The principle of the rule of law stipulates an independent institution of attorneyship.

Complex noun phrase as subject.

2

Avukatın beyanları, maddi gerçeğin ortaya çıkarılmasında kilit rol oynadı.

The lawyer's statements played a key role in uncovering the substantive truth.

Verbal noun in locative case.

3

İddia makamı ile avukat arasındaki hukuki mütalaa farklılıkları derindi.

The differences in legal opinion between the prosecution and the lawyer were deep.

Abstract legal terminology 'mütalaa'.

4

Avukat, müvekkilinin menfaatlerini hukukun sınırları dahilinde gözetmelidir.

A lawyer must observe the interests of their client within the boundaries of the law.

Necessitative mood + possessive.

5

Baroların özerkliği, avukatların mesleki onurunun teminatıdır.

The autonomy of bar associations is the guarantee of lawyers' professional honor.

Double genitive chain.

6

Avukatın feraseti, karmaşık bir ticari uyuşmazlığın sulh ile sonuçlanmasını sağladı.

The lawyer's insight ensured that a complex commercial dispute resulted in a settlement.

Causative verb 'sağladı'.

7

Savunma hakkı kutsaldır ve avukat bu hakkın ete kemiğe bürünmüş halidir.

The right to defense is sacred, and the lawyer is the embodiment of this right.

Metaphorical expression 'ete kemiğe bürünmek'.

8

Avukatın sunduğu kanun yolları başvurusu, infazın durdurulmasına yol açtı.

The application for legal remedies submitted by the lawyer led to the stay of execution.

Complex technical legal terms.

Common Collocations

Avukat tutmak
Avukata danışmak
Şirket avukatı
Ceza avukatı
Boşanma avukatı
Avukatlık bürosu
Avukatlık ücreti
Avukatlık stajı
Avukatlık ruhsatı
Baro avukatı

Common Phrases

Avukatımla görüşün.

— Talk to my lawyer. Used to end a dispute or refer someone to legal counsel.

Bundan sonra sadece avukatımla görüşün.

Avukat bey / hanım

— Mr. / Ms. Lawyer. The standard polite way to address a lawyer.

Avukat Hanım, dosya hazır mı?

Avukat tutacak param yok.

— I don't have money to hire a lawyer. A common expression of financial difficulty in legal matters.

Avukat tutacak param yok, ne yapacağım?

İyi bir avukat lazım.

— A good lawyer is needed. Used when facing a serious legal issue.

Bu iş için gerçekten iyi bir avukat lazım.

Avukat gibi konuşma!

— Don't talk like a lawyer! Used when someone is being too argumentative or technical.

Tamam, avukat gibi konuşma da sadede gel.

Avukatlık yapma.

— Don't play the lawyer. Used when someone defends another person or a cause too persistently.

Sen ona avukatlık yapma, o kendini savunabilir.

Avukatın olsun.

— Let it be your lawyer. (Metaphorical) Let this fact or person defend you.

Dürüstlüğün senin avukatın olsun.

Avukata gitmek

— To go to a lawyer. Usually means seeking legal advice.

Yarın sabah erkenden avukata gideceğim.

Avukattan kağıt gelmesi

— Receiving a letter from a lawyer. Usually implies a legal warning or notice.

Dün avukattan bir kağıt geldi, çok şaşırdım.

Avukatlık mesleği

— The profession of law.

Avukatlık mesleği sabır gerektirir.

Idioms & Expressions

"Bedava avukatlık yapmak"

— To defend someone or something without being asked or for no benefit.

Neden her zaman başkalarına bedava avukatlık yapıyorsun?

Informal
"Kendi kendinin avukatı olmak"

— To defend one's own actions or interests effectively.

Hayatta bazen kendi kendinin avukatı olmalısın.

General
"Avukat gibi dili olmak"

— To be very articulate and persuasive, often in a debating sense.

Maşallah, çocukta avukat gibi dil var.

Informal
"Şeytanın avukatlığını yapmak"
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