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B1 verb 9 min read

azaltmak

Examples Notes & Tips azaltmak in 30 Seconds
Explanation azaltmak in your Level:
At the A1 level, 'azaltmak' is a useful word for basic daily needs. You might use it in the imperative form (the command form) like 'Azalt!' (Reduce it!). It's helpful when you're eating and want less of something, or when you're asking someone to turn down the music. Even though it's a B1 word, knowing the root 'az' (little) helps A1 students understand that 'azaltmak' is about making something 'little'. Focus on simple objects like 'tuz' (salt), 'şeker' (sugar), and 'ses' (sound).
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At A2, you can start using 'azaltmak' in simple past and present continuous tenses. You might say 'Sesi azalttım' (I reduced the sound) or 'Şekeri azaltıyorum' (I am reducing sugar). You'll likely encounter this word in health-related topics, such as a doctor telling you to eat less junk food. It's important to start noticing that 'azaltmak' needs an object. You can also use it in the future tense to talk about your plans, like 'Daha az televizyon izleyeceğim, süreyi azaltacağım' (I will watch less TV, I will reduce the duration).
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At the B1 level, you are expected to use 'azaltmak' fluently in various contexts. You should be able to discuss abstract concepts like 'stresi azaltmak' (reducing stress) or 'maliyetleri azaltmak' (reducing costs). You will understand the difference between 'azaltmak' (to reduce) and 'azalmak' (to decrease/diminish). You can use it with 'için' to explain purpose: 'Kilo vermek için porsiyonlarımı azalttım' (I reduced my portions to lose weight). This level involves using the word in professional and social settings with correct case markers.
At B2, 'azaltmak' becomes a tool for more complex discussions, such as environmental issues or economic policies. You can participate in debates about 'karbon ayak izini azaltmak' (reducing carbon footprint) or 'işsizliği azaltma stratejileri' (strategies for reducing unemployment). You should be comfortable with the passive form 'azaltılmak' (to be reduced) and the noun form 'azaltma' (reduction). You can also start using synonyms like 'kısmak' or 'düşürmek' depending on the specific nuance of the situation.
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At C1, you use 'azaltmak' and its formal synonyms with precision. You understand the subtle differences between 'azaltmak', 'indirgemek' (to reduce/simplify), and 'seyreltmek' (to dilute). You can use the word in academic writing or high-level professional reports. You might analyze how a company 'maliyetleri azaltırken verimliliği artırdı' (increased efficiency while reducing costs). Your usage will include complex grammatical structures like 'azaltılabileceği' (that it can be reduced) or 'azaltılmasındansa' (rather than being reduced).
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At the C2 level, 'azaltmak' is used with native-like nuance. You can use it in metaphorical and literary contexts. You might discuss the 'etkisini azaltmak' (diluting the effect) of a political movement or the 'gerginliği azaltmak' (de-escalating tension) in a diplomatic crisis. You are aware of its etymological roots and can play with the word in creative writing. You can also distinguish between technical terms like 'indirgeme' in chemistry or mathematics versus the general 'azaltma' in daily life.
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Examples Notes & Tips

azaltmak in 30 Seconds

  • Azaltmak means to decrease or reduce something actively.
  • It is a transitive verb, meaning it always takes an object.
  • It comes from the root 'az', meaning 'little' or 'few'.
  • Commonly used for speed, volume, prices, and abstract things like stress.

The Turkish verb azaltmak is a fundamental transitive verb derived from the root adjective az, which means 'little' or 'few'. Linguistically, it is formed by adding the verbalizing suffix -al and the causative suffix -t, followed by the infinitive marker -mak. In its essence, it describes the deliberate or accidental action of making something less in quantity, intensity, degree, or size. It is the direct counterpart to çoğaltmak (to increase/multiply). This word is ubiquitous in Turkish life, appearing in contexts ranging from culinary instructions to high-level economic discourse. When you want to tell someone to turn down the volume, reduce the salt in a soup, or lower the speed of a vehicle, azaltmak is your primary tool.

Physical Quantity
Used when physically removing parts of a whole or lowering a measurable amount, such as water in a glass or the number of employees in a company.
Intensity and Degree
Applied to abstract concepts like pain, stress, or noise. For instance, 'ağrıyı azaltmak' means to alleviate or lessen pain.

Doktor, şeker tüketimini azaltmamı tavsiye etti.

Translation: The doctor advised me to reduce my sugar consumption.

In social settings, the word carries a tone of control and moderation. It is often used in the imperative mood in recipes (Ateşi azaltın - 'Reduce the heat') or in professional settings when discussing budgets (Giderleri azaltmalıyız - 'We must reduce expenses'). Understanding azaltmak requires recognizing that it is an active process; something doesn't just 'decrease' (which would be azalmak), someone or something *makes* it decrease.

Işığı biraz azaltabilir misin? Gözlerim ağrıyor.

The versatility of azaltmak extends to the digital world. In software interfaces, 'azaltmak' is the standard translation for 'decrease' or 'decrement' buttons, often seen next to its antonym artırmak. Whether you are adjusting the brightness of your screen or the font size, you are performing the action of azaltmak. Culturally, there is a strong emphasis on 'azaltmak' in modern Turkish urban life regarding waste and consumption, reflected in the phrase atıkları azaltmak (reducing waste), which is a key part of environmental campaigns.

Economic Context
Used for inflation (enflasyonu azaltmak), interest rates (faizleri azaltmak), or unemployment (işsizliği azaltmak).

Hızını azaltmazsan kaza yapabilirsin.

Using azaltmak correctly involves mastering its conjugation and understanding its placement within Turkish SOV (Subject-Object-Verb) structure. Since it is a transitive verb, it almost always takes an object in the accusative case (indicated by suffixes -ı, -i, -u, -ü) if the object is specific. For example, 'Sesi azalt' (Decrease THE sound). However, if the object is general, the accusative suffix is omitted: 'Tuz azalt' (Reduce salt). This distinction is crucial for sounding natural.

Present Continuous
Azaltıyorum (I am reducing), Azaltıyorsun (You are reducing). Used for ongoing actions like 'Şu an masrafları azaltıyorum.'
Future Tense
Azaltacağım (I will reduce). Often used in promises or plans: 'Gelecek ay sigarayı azaltacağım.'

Yeni yasalar hava kirliliğini azaltacak.

Translation: New laws will reduce air pollution.

The verb also functions beautifully in the passive voice: azaltılmak (to be reduced). This is common in formal reporting. 'Maliyetler %10 oranında azaltıldı' (Costs were reduced by 10%). Another important form is the causative azalttırmak (to have someone reduce something), though this is less frequent as azaltmak itself already contains a causative element. In compound sentences, azaltmak often pairs with 'için' (for/to): 'Kilo vermek için ekmeği azalttım' (I reduced bread to lose weight).

Lütfen radyonun sesini biraz azaltır mısın? Ders çalışıyorum.

In more complex literary or academic Turkish, you might see azaltmak used with abstract nouns like 'etki' (effect) or 'risk' (risk). 'Riski azaltmak için önlem aldık' (We took precautions to reduce the risk). It can also be turned into a noun using the -ma/-me suffix: azaltma. 'Maliyet azaltma çalışmaları' means 'cost reduction efforts'. This flexibility allows the word to flow through various grammatical structures without losing its core meaning of 'making less'.

Past Tense (Definite)
Azalttım (I reduced), Azalttın (You reduced). Note the double 't' due to the suffix -t meeting the past tense -tı.

Şirket, çalışan sayısını azaltmaya karar verdi.

If you are in Turkey, you will hear azaltmak in various daily scenarios. One of the most common places is in a car. A passenger might say, Hızını biraz azalt, viraj var (Reduce your speed a bit, there's a curve). In the kitchen, a mother might tell her child, Yemeğin tuzunu azaltmalısın (You should reduce the salt of the food). These are the bread-and-butter uses of the word. In the realm of health and fitness, personal trainers and doctors constantly use it: Karbonhidratı azalt, proteini artır (Reduce carbs, increase protein).

In the Media
News anchors frequently report on 'enflasyonu azaltma hedefleri' (inflation reduction targets) or 'işsizliği azaltmak için yeni projeler' (new projects to reduce unemployment).
In Technology
Settings menus on phones in Turkish will use 'Parlaklığı Azalt' for 'Decrease Brightness' and 'Sesi Azalt' for 'Volume Down'.

Televizyonun sesini biraz azaltır mısın? Bebek uyuyor.

A common household request.

During a Turkish coffee or tea session, you might hear someone say, Şekeri azalttım, meaning 'I've reduced my sugar intake' or 'I take less sugar now'. It reflects a lifestyle change. In environmental activism, which is growing in Turkey, the slogan Plastik kullanımını azaltın (Reduce plastic use) is seen on posters and social media campaigns. Even in emotional contexts, a friend might say, Bu ilaç senin acını biraz azaltır (This medicine will reduce your pain a bit), showing the word's empathetic application.

Belediye, trafik yoğunluğunu azaltmak için yeni yollar yapıyor.

In academic settings, specifically in science or sociology lectures, the word is used to describe variables. 'Sıcaklığı azaltmak reaksiyonu yavaşlatır' (Reducing the temperature slows down the reaction). This formal usage is identical in structure to the informal usage, making azaltmak a very stable and reliable word to learn. Whether you are reading a high-brow newspaper like Cumhuriyet or chatting with a shopkeeper in Kadıköy, this word will serve you well.

The most frequent mistake English speakers make with azaltmak is confusing it with its intransitive counterpart, azalmak. Azaltmak means 'to make something less' (active), while azalmak means 'to become less' (passive/automatic). For example, saying 'Hava sıcaklığı azalttı' is wrong if you mean 'The temperature decreased'; you should say 'Hava sıcaklığı azaldı'. However, if you mean 'The air (conditioner) decreased the temperature', then 'Klima sıcaklığı azalttı' is correct. This 'transitive vs. intransitive' distinction is the hurdle most learners face.

Azaltmak vs. Alçalmak
'Alçalmak' means to go down in height (like an airplane or a bird). You cannot use 'azaltmak' for physical altitude unless you are 'reducing the height' of a wall.
Azaltmak vs. Eksiltmek
While similar, 'eksiltmek' often implies taking away a piece of something or making it incomplete. 'Azaltmak' is more about the overall quantity or intensity.

Sayıyı azaldım. (Wrong)
Sayıyı azalttım. (Correct)

Another common error involves the double 't' in the past tense. Because the verb stem ends in '-t' (from the causative suffix), the past tense suffix '-tı' becomes '-ttı' due to consonant harmony. Many learners write azaltı instead of azalttı. Remember: azalt + tı = azalttı. This is a purely orthographic mistake but can lead to confusion in written communication. Furthermore, avoid using azaltmak when you should use indirmek (to lower/bring down). While you can 'azaltmak' a price, 'fiyatı indirmek' is much more common in a commercial context.

Hızımı azalttım ama hala çok hızlıyım.

Lastly, some learners try to use azaltmak with people to mean 'demote' or 'belittle'. This is incorrect. To belittle someone, use küçümsemek. To demote, use rütbesini düşürmek. Azaltmak is strictly for quantities, volumes, and intensities. Keep it mathematical or physical in your mind, and you will avoid most semantic errors.

Turkish is rich with verbs that describe making things smaller or less. While azaltmak is the general term, choosing a more specific alternative can make your Turkish sound much more sophisticated. For example, kısmak is the preferred verb for turning down something that has a flow or a dial, like gas, light, or sound. If you are 'reducing' the volume of a TV, sesi kısmak sounds more natural than sesi azaltmak, though both are understood.

Düşürmek
Literally 'to drop' or 'to lower'. Used for prices (fiyatı düşürmek), temperatures (ateşi düşürmek), or levels (seviyeyi düşürmek).
Hafifletmek
Meaning 'to lighten' or 'to alleviate'. Best used for burdens, pain, or severity. 'Acıyı hafifletmek' (to ease the pain).
Sadeleşmek / Sadeleştirmek
To simplify. If you are reducing the complexity of a text, you are 'sadeleştirme' it.

Ocağın altını biraz kısar mısın?

Using 'kısmak' for the stove is very common.

Another interesting synonym is törpülemek. Literally meaning 'to file down' (like nails), it is used metaphorically to mean 'to tone down' or 'to refine' something, like an aggressive personality trait or a sharp edge in a design. Seyreltmek is used specifically for liquids, meaning 'to dilute' (reducing the concentration). If you add water to a strong soup to 'reduce' its intensity, you are 'seyreltme' it. Understanding these nuances helps you navigate the subtle textures of the Turkish language.

İlacın dozunu düşürmek yerine tamamen kestiler.

In a formal or academic context, you might encounter indirgemek, which means 'to reduce' in a philosophical or scientific sense (reductionism). For instance, 'Karmaşık bir sorunu basit bir formüle indirgemek' (To reduce a complex problem to a simple formula). This is much more specific than azaltmak and implies a change in nature, not just quantity. By learning these alternatives, you transition from a basic communicator to a nuanced speaker.

Fun Fact

The root 'az' has remained virtually unchanged for over a millennium, appearing in the Orkhon inscriptions of the 8th century with the same meaning.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /a.zalθ.mak/
US /ɑ.zɑlt.mɑk/
The stress is typically on the last syllable: azal-t-MAK.
Rhymes With
çoğaltmak kısaltmak daraltmak alçaltmak boşaltmak bunaltmak sarartmak karartmak
Common Errors
  • Pronouncing 'z' as 's' (asaltmak).
  • Missing the 't' in the middle (azalmak - which changes the meaning).
  • Softening the final 'k' too much.
  • Stress on the first syllable.
  • Not doubling the 't' in the past tense (azalttı).
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Examples by Level

1

Sesi biraz azalt lütfen.

Please reduce the sound a bit.

Imperative mood.

2

Çorbaya tuzu azalt.

Reduce the salt in the soup.

Direct object with dative location.

3

Hızı azalt!

Reduce the speed!

Simple command.

4

Işığı azaltabilir misin?

Can you reduce the light?

Request with 'can'.

5

Şekeri azalttım.

I reduced the sugar.

Past tense.

6

Lütfen gürültüyü azaltın.

Please reduce the noise.

Formal imperative.

7

Suyu azaltıyoruz.

We are reducing the water.

Present continuous.

8

Yemeği azaltmalısın.

You should reduce the food (portions).

Necessitative mood.

1

Doktor tuzu azaltmamı söyledi.

The doctor told me to reduce salt.

Reported speech.

2

Televizyonun sesini azalttım.

I turned down the TV volume.

Accusative case on 'ses'.

3

Daha az uyuyarak vaktimi azaltıyorum.

I am reducing my time by sleeping less.

Gerund '-arak'.

4

Masrafları azaltmak zorundayız.

We have to reduce expenses.

'Zorunda' structure.

5

Hızını azaltmazsan ceza yersin.

If you don't reduce your speed, you'll get a fine.

Conditional 'if'.

6

Sıcaklığı biraz azalttık.

We reduced the temperature a bit.

First person plural past.

7

Ödevlerimi azaltmak istiyorum.

I want to reduce my homework.

Infinitive with 'istemek'.

8

Işığı azaltınca gözlerim dinlendi.

My eyes rested when I reduced the light.

Gerund '-ınca'.

1

Stresi azaltmak için yoga yapıyorum.

I do yoga to reduce stress.

Purpose clause with 'için'.

2

Şirket maliyetleri azaltmaya çalışıyor.

The company is trying to reduce costs.

Dative infinitive with 'çalışmak'.

3

Karbon salınımını azaltmalıyız.

We must reduce carbon emissions.

Necessitative mood.

4

İlacın dozunu yavaşça azalttılar.

They slowly reduced the dose of the medicine.

Adverb 'yavaşça'.

5

Gürültüyü azaltmak için pencereleri kapattık.

We closed the windows to reduce the noise.

Compound sentence.

6

Bu yeni sistem hataları azaltacak.

This new system will reduce errors.

Future tense.

7

Kullanımı azaltmak tasarruf sağlar.

Reducing usage provides savings.

Infinitive as subject.

8

Riskleri azaltmak için önlem aldık.

We took precautions to reduce risks.

Plural object.

1

Hükümet vergileri azaltma kararı aldı.

The government decided to reduce taxes.

Noun compound 'azaltma kararı'.

2

Enflasyonu azaltmak uzun zaman alabilir.

Reducing inflation might take a long time.

Possibility with '-ebilir'.

3

İşsizliği azaltmak için yeni istihdam alanları yaratılmalı.

New employment areas must be created to reduce unemployment.

Passive voice 'yaratılmalı'.

4

Atıkları azaltmak çevreyi korur.

Reducing waste protects the environment.

Aorist tense for general facts.

5

Siyasal gerginliği azaltmak için görüşmeler başladı.

Meetings started to reduce political tension.

Abstract usage.

6

Maliyetleri %20 oranında azalttık.

We reduced costs by 20 percent.

Percentage with '-dan/-den'.

7

Hızını azaltarak yakıt tasarrufu yapabilirsin.

You can save fuel by reducing your speed.

Manner adverbial '-arak'.

8

Bağımlılığı azaltmak için terapi şart.

Therapy is essential to reduce addiction.

Abstract noun object.

1

Yatırımların riskini azaltmak stratejik bir hamledir.

Reducing the risk of investments is a strategic move.

Genitive-possessive construction.

2

Toplumsal eşitsizliği azaltmak birincil hedefimizdir.

Reducing social inequality is our primary goal.

Formal register.

3

Bürokrasiyi azaltarak süreci hızlandırdılar.

They accelerated the process by reducing bureaucracy.

Complex sentence.

4

Etkisini azaltmak istediği olay için özür diledi.

He apologized for the event whose effect he wanted to reduce.

Relative clause.

5

Maliyetlerin azaltılması şirketi iflastan kurtardı.

The reduction of costs saved the company from bankruptcy.

Passive noun 'azaltılması'.

6

Dışa bağımlılığı azaltmak ekonomik bağımsızlık için elzemdir.

Reducing foreign dependency is essential for economic independence.

Advanced vocabulary 'elzem'.

7

Şiddeti azaltmak adına birçok kampanya yürütülüyor.

Many campaigns are being carried out to reduce violence.

'Adına' used for purpose.

8

Hataları minimize etmek, yani azaltmak için çalışıyoruz.

We are working to minimize, that is, to reduce errors.

Apposition.

1

Varlığını hissettirmeden etkisini azaltmak büyük bir ustalıktır.

It is a great mastery to reduce its effect without making one's presence felt.

Negative gerund '-meden'.

2

Yazar, gereksiz betimlemeleri azaltarak metne akıcılık kazandırmış.

The author gave the text fluidity by reducing unnecessary descriptions.

Inference past tense '-miş'.

3

Kutuplaşmayı azaltmak toplumsal barışın teminatıdır.

Reducing polarization is the guarantee of social peace.

Philosophical context.

4

Önyargıları azaltmak, eğitim sisteminin en zorlu görevidir.

Reducing prejudices is the most challenging task of the education system.

Superlative 'en zorlu'.

5

Karbon ayak izini azaltmak artık bir tercih değil, zorunluluktur.

Reducing carbon footprint is no longer a choice but a necessity.

Negative 'değil' structure.

6

Diplomatik çabalar, bölgedeki tansiyonu azaltmayı hedefliyor.

Diplomatic efforts aim to reduce the tension in the region.

Verbal noun as object.

7

Gereksiz harcamaları azaltmak, bireysel finans yönetiminin temelidir.

Reducing unnecessary spending is the foundation of personal finance management.

Complex noun phrase.

8

Izdırabı azaltmak hekimliğin en kutsal amacıdır.

Reducing suffering is the most sacred goal of medicine.

Archaic/Formal 'ızdırap'.

Common Collocations

hızı azaltmak
maliyeti azaltmak
stresi azaltmak
riski azaltmak
sesi azaltmak
tüketimi azaltmak
enflasyonu azaltmak
ağrıyı azaltmak
kirliliği azaltmak
sayıyı azaltmak

Common Phrases

Dozunu azaltmak

— To reduce the dosage of something, usually medicine.

Doktor ilacın dozunu azalttı.

Hızını azaltmak

— To slow down while driving or moving.

Kırmızı ışığı görünce hızını azalttı.

Yükünü azaltmak

— To lighten someone's burden or workload.

Yardım ederek onun yükünü azalttım.

Etkisini azaltmak

— To make the impact of something weaker.

Güneş kremi güneşin etkisini azaltır.

Mesafeyi azaltmak

— To shorten the distance between two points or people.

Yeni yol mesafeyi azalttı.

Farkı azaltmak

— To close the gap in scores or differences.

İkinci yarıda takım farkı azalttı.

Giderleri azaltmak

— To cut down on spending.

Bu ay mutfak giderlerini azalttık.

Zamanı azaltmak

— To shorten the duration of an event.

Toplantı zamanını azaltmaya karar verdik.

Işığı azaltmak

— To dim the lights.

Daha rahat uyumak için ışığı azalttı.

Şüpheleri azaltmak

— To reduce doubts or suspicions.

Açıklaması şüphelerimi azalttı.

Idioms & Expressions

"Hızını azaltmak"

— Literally to slow down, but often used to mean 'taking it easy' in life.

Emekli olunca hayatın hızını azalttı.

informal
"Ateşini azaltmak"

— To lower someone's fever or, metaphorically, to calm someone's anger.

Güzel sözleri öfkesinin ateşini azalttı.

metaphorical
"Yükünü azaltmak"

— To help someone with their responsibilities.

Senin yükünü azaltmak için buradayım.

neutral
"Aradaki mesafeyi azaltmak"

— To become closer to someone emotionally.

Zamanla aradaki mesafeyi azalttılar.

metaphorical
"Sesini azaltmak"

— Literally to lower volume, but can mean to speak less aggressively.

Tartışırken sesini biraz azaltmalısın.

neutral
"Acısını azaltmak"

— To console someone or provide relief.

Zaman her acıyı azaltır derler.

neutral
"Etki alanını azaltmak"

— To limit someone's power or influence.

Yeni kurallar müdürün etki alanını azalttı.

formal
"Sözünü azaltmak"

— To speak less; to be concise.

Sözünü azaltıp işine bakmalı.

informal
"Masrafı azaltmak"

— To live more frugally.

Kemerleri sıkıp masrafı azalttık.

neutral
"Gerginliği azaltmak"

— To de-escalate a situation.

Şaka yaparak gerginliği azalttı.

neutral

Word Family

Nouns

azalma (decrease/reduction)
azaltma (the act of reducing)
azlık (scarcity)

Verbs

azalmak (to decrease - intransitive)
azaltılmak (to be reduced - passive)
azalttırmak (to make someone reduce something)

Adjectives

az (little/few)
azalmış (decreased/reduced)
azaltılmış (reduced - e.g., reduced fat)

Related

asgari (minimum)
eksik (missing/deficient)
nadir (rare)
kısıtlı (limited)
yetersiz (insufficient)
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Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'AZ' as 'A to Z' but backwards. You are going from Z back to A, which is a reduction. 'AZ-alt-mak'.

Visual Association

Imagine a person pushing a volume slider down on a giant stereo. The slider says 'AZ'. As they push it down, they are 'azaltmak'-ing the sound.

Word Web

azaltmak az (little) azalmak (to become less) artırmak (to increase) ses (sound) hız (speed) fiyat (price) maliyet (cost)

Word Origin

Derived from the Old Turkic root 'az' meaning 'few' or 'little'. The suffix '-al' is a verbalizer used to create verbs from adjectives, and '-t' is the causative suffix that makes the verb transitive.

Original meaning: To cause something to become little or few.

Turkic
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