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bilgisayar

A1 noun 8 min read

bilgisayar

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips bilgisayar in 30 Seconds

Explanation bilgisayar in your Level:

At the A1 level, 'bilgisayar' is introduced as a basic noun. Learners focus on identifying the object and using it with simple verbs like 'var' (there is), 'yok' (there isn't), and 'kullanmak' (to use). You will learn how to say 'This is a computer' (Bu bir bilgisayar) and ask 'Do you have a computer?' (Bilgisayarın var mı?). The goal is to integrate the word into daily routines, such as 'I am working on the computer' (Bilgisayarda çalışıyorum). Spelling and basic vowel harmony are the primary technical focuses. You'll also learn the difference between 'masaüstü' and 'dizüstü' as simple descriptive adjectives.

At the A2 level, learners begin to apply case endings and possessives to 'bilgisayar'. You will practice sentences like 'I am looking at the computer' (Bilgisayara bakıyorum) or 'I am getting information from the computer' (Bilgisayardan bilgi alıyorum). You'll also describe the computer using more adjectives (fast, slow, expensive, cheap). The concept of compound nouns like 'bilgisayar oyunu' (computer game) or 'bilgisayar masası' (computer desk) is introduced. You should be able to talk about your daily tech habits in the past and future tense, such as 'Dün bilgisayar aldım' (I bought a computer yesterday).

By B1, you are expected to handle more complex situations involving 'bilgisayar'. This includes technical problems and solutions. You might explain why your computer isn't working or describe the features you need when buying a new one. You will use the word in relative clauses, such as 'Bozulan bilgisayarı tamir ettim' (I fixed the computer that broke). You'll also encounter the word in professional contexts, like 'bilgisayar destekli tasarım' (computer-aided design). Your ability to use the word with postpositions (bilgisayar ile / bilgisayarla) will also improve.

At the B2 level, 'bilgisayar' is used in discussions about technology's impact on society, education, and the economy. You will use more abstract and technical vocabulary associated with it, like 'bilgisayar ağları' (computer networks) or 'bilgisayar güvenliği' (computer security). You should be able to debate the pros and cons of computer use in early childhood education. The word appears in more complex grammatical structures, including passive voice ('Bilgisayar tamir edildi') and causative forms ('Bilgisayarı formatlattım'). You'll also understand idiomatic and metaphorical uses in news articles and literature.

At the C1 level, 'bilgisayar' is a springboard for academic and professional discourse. You will read and write about 'bilgisayar bilimleri' (computer sciences) at a high level, discussing algorithms, artificial intelligence, and data ethics. You will understand the nuances between 'bilgisayar' and specialized terms like 'sunucu' (server) or 'iş istasyonu' (workstation) in specific contexts. Your usage will include complex sub-clauses and advanced conjunctions. You can analyze the etymological roots and the historical linguistic shift from 'kompütür' to 'bilgisayar' as part of Turkish language history.

At the C2 level, 'bilgisayar' is used with native-like fluency in any context. You can discuss the most technical aspects of computing, from quantum computing to neural networks, using the term effortlessly. You will recognize and use the word in sophisticated metaphors, irony, and high-level literature. You can critique the linguistic development of Turkish technical terminology. Your command of the word includes all rare derivations and its interaction with the most complex Turkish suffixes. You can give a professional presentation or write a thesis on a computer-related topic without any linguistic hesitation.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

bilgisayar in 30 Seconds

The Turkish word for computer, literally meaning 'information counter'.
A compound noun: 'bilgi' (information) + 'sayar' (counter).
Essential vocabulary for work, education, and entertainment in Turkey.
Used for all types of computers, including laptops and desktops.

The Turkish word bilgisayar is a fascinating example of the Turkish Language Reform's success in creating native terminology for modern technology. At its core, it is a compound noun formed from bilgi (information/knowledge) and sayar (counter/reckoner), derived from the verb saymak (to count). Literally, a 'bilgisayar' is an 'information counter' or 'data processor.' In contemporary Turkish, it is the universal term for 'computer,' covering everything from massive servers to the laptop on your desk.

Literal Meaning: Information counter or knowledge reckoner.
Modern Usage: Used for desktops, laptops, and general computing devices.

Historically, before the 1970s, Turkish speakers might have used the French-influenced 'kompütür,' but thanks to the efforts of computer scientist Aydın Köksal, 'bilgisayar' became the standard. This word is used in every facet of life: education, business, gaming, and personal communication. When you go to a store to buy a laptop, you are looking for a dizüstü bilgisayar (lap-top computer). If you are referring to a desktop, you say masaüstü bilgisayar.

Yeni bir bilgisayar almak istiyorum çünkü eski olan çok yavaşladı.

In professional settings, you will hear it in job titles like bilgisayar mühendisi (computer engineer) or bilgisayar programcısı (computer programmer). It is also central to idioms regarding the modern age, often representing the digital divide or technological literacy. The word is so deeply integrated that even elderly speakers, who might struggle with other new Turkish words, use 'bilgisayar' without hesitation. It represents the successful 'Turkification' of technical jargon.

Çocuklar bütün gün bilgisayar başında oyun oynuyorlar.

Understanding this word is fundamental for any A1 learner because it opens the door to discussing work, hobbies, and technology. It follows standard Turkish vowel harmony (back vowels: i-i-a-a-a), making it relatively easy to pronounce despite its length.

Cultural Impact: Turkey has a high rate of computer and internet usage, making this word ubiquitous in daily conversation.

Bu bilgisayarın ekranı çok parlak.

Ofiste her masada bir bilgisayar var.

Technical Nuance: While 'bilgisayar' is the hardware, 'yazılım' is the software. They are often taught together.

Kütüphanede bilgisayar kullanmak ücretsizdir.

Whether you are a student writing an essay or a professional coding the next big app, the 'bilgisayar' is your primary tool in the Turkish-speaking world.

Using bilgisayar in sentences requires an understanding of Turkish case endings. Because the word ends in a consonant ('r'), it is quite regular. However, when you add possessive suffixes, vowel harmony must be maintained. For example, 'my computer' is bilgisayarım. 'On the computer' is bilgisayarda. 'From the computer' is bilgisayardan.

Locative Case (-da): Bilgisayarda ödev yapıyorum (I am doing homework on the computer).

When using it as a direct object, the accusative case is used: Bilgisayarı aç (Turn on the computer). Note that the 'ı' is added because 'bilgisayar' ends in a consonant and has back vowels.

Lütfen bilgisayarı kapatmayı unutma.

In Turkish, verbs often come at the end, so 'bilgisayar' will typically appear in the middle or beginning of the sentence. If you are describing a computer, you place the adjective before it: hızlı bilgisayar (fast computer), pahalı bilgisayar (expensive computer). For pluralization, we add '-lar' to make bilgisayarlar.

Okulumuzdaki bilgisayarlar oldukça eski.

When talking about the computer's components, we use the genitive case: bilgisayarın faresi (the computer's mouse).

Genitive Case (-ın): Bilgisayarın hızı çok önemli (The speed of the computer is very important).

Babam bana yeni bir bilgisayar çantası aldı.

Hangi bilgisayar daha iyi, Mac mi yoksa PC mi?

Dative Case (-a): Bilgisayara format atmak (To format the computer - literally 'to throw a format to the computer').

Bu dosyayı bilgisayara kaydettim.

As you advance, you'll use it in more complex structures like bilgisayarlaştırmak (to computerize), though this is less common. For now, focus on the basic noun and its cases.

You will hear bilgisayar everywhere in modern Turkey. In an office setting, it's the most common noun. You'll hear 'Bilgisayarım çöktü' (My computer crashed) or 'Bilgisayarı yeniden başlat' (Restart the computer). In schools, 'bilgisayar laboratuvarı' (computer lab) is a standard facility.

Workplace: Conversations about technical specs, software updates, and IT support.

At home, parents often tell their children 'Bilgisayarın başından kalk!' (Get away from the computer!). In retail electronics stores like Teknosa or Vatan Bilgisayar, 'bilgisayar' is the primary category. You'll see signs for 'oyuncu bilgisayarı' (gaming computer) or 'iş bilgisayarı' (business computer).

Mağazada çok ucuz bilgisayarlar var.

In the news, technology segments discuss 'bilgisayar korsanları' (computer hackers) or 'bilgisayar ağları' (computer networks). Even in casual conversations, people compare their 'bilgisayar özellikleri' (computer specs).

Dün akşam bilgisayar kursuna başladım.

If you visit a 'İnternet Kafe' (Internet Cafe), which are still popular in some parts of Turkey for gaming, you'll hear people asking for a 'boş bilgisayar' (available computer).

Education: University departments like 'Bilgisayar Bilimleri' (Computer Science).

Sınav sonuçları bilgisayar ortamında açıklandı.

Eski bilgisayarımı kardeşime verdim.

Social Media: Tech influencers reviewing the latest 'dizüstü bilgisayar' models.

Bu bilgisayar çok ısınıyor.

Finally, in literature and cinema, 'bilgisayar' is used to discuss the future, AI, and the impact of technology on Turkish society. It is a word that bridges the gap between traditional life and the digital future.

One of the most common mistakes for English speakers is trying to use the word 'kompütür'. While it might be understood by some, it sounds outdated and foreign. Always use bilgisayar. Another mistake is related to the locative case. English speakers often say 'bilgisayarın üstünde' (on top of the computer) when they mean 'on the computer' (software/internet). In Turkish, 'bilgisayarda' is the correct way to say 'on the computer' in a digital sense.

Incorrect Case: Using 'bilgisayarın üstünde' for digital activities instead of 'bilgisayarda'.

Mispronunciation is also common. The 'g' in bilgisayar is a hard 'g' (like in 'gold'), not a soft 'ğ'. Some learners confuse it with 'bilgi' (information) and try to use 'bilgi' to mean computer. Remember: 'bilgi' is the data, 'bilgisayar' is the machine.

Yanlış: Bilgim bozuldu. Doğru: Bilgisayarım bozuldu.

Pluralization can be tricky if you forget vowel harmony. It is bilgisayarlar, never bilgisayerler. Learners often struggle with compound nouns. For 'computer mouse', it's bilgisayar faresi. Beginners often forget the '-i' suffix on 'fare'.

Yanlış: Bilgisayar fare. Doğru: Bilgisayar faresi.

Possessive Suffixes: Adding the wrong vowel for 'your computer' (bilgisayarın) vs 'his/her computer' (bilgisayarı).

Lütfen bilgisayarıma dokunma (Don't touch my computer).

Bu bilgisayar çok yer kaplıyor.

Finally, remember that Turkish is a pro-drop language. You don't always need to say 'Benim bilgisayarım' (My computer); just 'Bilgisayarım' is enough because the '-ım' suffix already indicates possession.

While bilgisayar is the general term, there are many specific alternatives depending on the device or context.

Dizüstü Bilgisayar / Laptop: Literally 'on-the-knee computer'. This is the standard term for a laptop. Many people also just use the loanword 'laptop'.
Masaüstü Bilgisayar: Literally 'on-the-desk computer'. Refers to traditional tower/monitor setups.

For very small devices, you might use tablet or avuçiçi bilgisayar (palmtop, though this is rare now). In a high-tech or server context, you might hear sunucu (server) or ana bilgisayar (mainframe).

Yeni bir laptop aldım ama hala bilgisayarım diyorum.

If you are talking about the brain as a computer, you might use the metaphor biyolojik bilgisayar. In gaming, kasa (case/tower) is often used to refer to the computer itself.

Bu tablet aslında küçük bir bilgisayar gibi.

Comparing 'bilgisayar' to 'hesap makinesi' (calculator) is useful for learners. A 'hesap makinesi' only does math, while a 'bilgisayar' processes 'bilgi' (information).

Yazılım vs Donanım: Software vs Hardware. These are the two halves of the computing world.

Şirketimiz sunucu altyapısını yeniliyor.

Bu makine tüm oyunları en yüksek ayarlarda açıyor.

Akıllı Telefon: Smartphone. Often described as a pocket computer.

Artık akıllı telefonlar eski bilgisayarlardan daha güçlü.

Understanding these nuances helps you navigate technical discussions in Turkish with more precision.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

"Bilgisayar sistemlerimiz bakıma alınacaktır."

Neutral

"Yeni bir bilgisayar almam lazım."

Informal

"Bilgisayar yine kafayı yedi."

Child friendly

"Hadi bilgisayarda çizgi film izleyelim!"

Slang

"Makine fena kaçıyor, çok hızlı."

Fun Fact

Before 'bilgisayar' was coined, the word 'elektronik beyin' (electronic brain) was often used in Turkish newspapers.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /bil.ɡi.sa.jaɾ/

US /bɪl.ɡi.sə.jɑːr/

The primary stress is on the last syllable: bilgisayAR.

Rhymes With

ayar bayar kayar sayar tayar yayar havyar diyar

Common Errors

Pronouncing the 'g' as a soft 'ğ' (silent).
Stress on the first syllable.
Changing the 'a' sounds to 'e' sounds.
Treating 'bilgi' and 'sayar' as two separate words with a pause.
Mispronouncing the 'i' as a long 'ee' (it should be short).

Difficulty Rating

Reading 1/5

Very easy to recognize once the root is known.

Writing 2/5

Long word, requires attention to vowel harmony.

Speaking 2/5

Rhythmic but long; requires practice to say fluently.

Listening 1/5

Distinctive sound, easy to pick out in a sentence.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

bilgi saymak masa diz yeni

Learn Next

internet yazılım donanım ekran klavye

Advanced

algoritma veri tabanı işlemci bellek siber güvenlik

Grammar to Know

Vowel Harmony

Bilgisayar + lar (not ler)

Consonant Mutation

No mutation for 'r' in bilgisayar.

Noun Compounds

Bilgisayar masası (adds -ı)

Locative Case

Bilgisayarda (on the computer)

Possessive Suffixes

Bilgisayarım (my computer)

Examples by Level

Bu bir bilgisayar.

This is a computer.

Basic 'Bu' (This) + noun structure.

Bilgisayarım var.

I have a computer.

Possessive -ım + 'var' for possession.

Bilgisayar büyük.

The computer is big.

Subject + Adjective.

Bilgisayarda oyun oynuyorum.

I am playing a game on the computer.

Locative case -da.

Yeni bilgisayar çok hızlı.

The new computer is very fast.

Adjective 'yeni' before the noun.

Bilgisayarı açıyorum.

I am turning on the computer.

Accusative case -ı.

Babam bilgisayar kullanıyor.

My father is using a computer.

Simple Present Continuous.

Masanın üzerinde bilgisayar var.

There is a computer on the table.

Genitive-Possessive construction for 'on top of'.

Bilgisayara bakıyorum.

I am looking at the computer.

Dative case -a.

Bilgisayardan müzik dinliyorum.

I am listening to music from the computer.

Ablative case -dan.

En iyi bilgisayar hangisi?

Which computer is the best?

Superlative 'en iyi'.

Bilgisayar kursuna gidiyorum.

I am going to a computer course.

Noun compound 'bilgisayar kursu'.

Bilgisayarım bozuldu.

My computer broke down.

Past tense -du.

Bilgisayarı kapatmak istiyorum.

I want to turn off the computer.

Infinitive + 'istiyorum'.

Dizüstü bilgisayar daha kullanışlı.

The laptop is more useful.

Comparative 'daha'.

Bilgisayarın faresi nerede?

Where is the computer's mouse?

Genitive case -ın.

Eski bilgisayarı tamir ettirdim.

I had the old computer repaired.

Causative verb 'ettirmek'.

Bilgisayarla çalışmak beni yoruyor.

Working with a computer tires me.

Instrumental case with 'ile'.

Bilgisayar mühendisi olmak istiyorum.

I want to be a computer engineer.

Professional title.

Bilgisayara yeni bir program yükledim.

I installed a new program on the computer.

Dative case for target of action.

Bu bilgisayarın hafızası çok düşük.

This computer's memory is very low.

Possessive construction.

Bilgisayar başında çok vakit geçiriyorsun.

You spend too much time at the computer.

Idiomatic 'başında' (at/by).

Bilgisayar fiyatları son zamanlarda arttı.

Computer prices have increased recently.

Plural compound noun.

İnternete bilgisayardan bağlanıyorum.

I connect to the internet from the computer.

Ablative case for source.

Bilgisayar teknolojisi her geçen gün gelişiyor.

Computer technology is developing every passing day.

Abstract noun phrase.

Bilgisayar korsanlarına karşı dikkatli olmalıyız.

We must be careful against computer hackers.

Dative case with 'karşı'.

Bilgisayar ortamında hazırlanan raporlar daha profesyonel.

Reports prepared in a computer environment are more professional.

Participle phrase 'hazırlanan'.

Bilgisayar oyunları bağımlılık yapabilir.

Computer games can cause addiction.

Potential mood '-ebilir'.

Şirketimiz bilgisayar ağını yenilemeye karar verdi.

Our company decided to renew the computer network.

Dative infinitive '-meye'.

Bilgisayar okuryazarlığı modern dünyada şarttır.

Computer literacy is a must in the modern world.

Compound abstract noun.

Bilgisayarıma virüs bulaştığı için format attım.

I formatted my computer because it got a virus.

Causal clause '-dığı için'.

Bilgisayar destekli eğitim sistemine geçiyoruz.

We are switching to a computer-aided education system.

Complex adjective phrase.

Bilgisayar bilimlerindeki son gelişmeler yapay zekayı tetikledi.

Recent developments in computer sciences triggered artificial intelligence.

Locative-Possessive structure.

Bilgisayarın işlemci hızı, performansı doğrudan etkiler.

The computer's processor speed directly affects performance.

Genitive chain.

Kuantum bilgisayarlar, geleneksel sistemlerin sınırlarını zorluyor.

Quantum computers are pushing the limits of traditional systems.

Plural subject.

Bilgisayar yazılımları, donanımla uyumlu çalışmalıdır.

Computer software must work compatibly with the hardware.

Necessitative mood '-malı'.

Bilgisayarın hayatımızdaki yeri tartışılamaz bir gerçektir.

The place of computers in our lives is an indisputable fact.

Relative clause '-daki'.

Bilgisayar tabanlı modelleme, bilimsel araştırmalarda yaygınlaşmıştır.

Computer-based modeling has become widespread in scientific research.

Passive-Perfective structure.

Bilgisayar sistemlerinin güvenliği, ulusal bir mesele haline geldi.

The security of computer systems has become a national issue.

Genitive-Possessive chain.

Bilgisayarlaşma süreci, iş gücü piyasasını kökten değiştirdi.

The process of computerization has radically changed the labor market.

Abstract noun formation.

Bilgisayar, insan zihninin bir uzantısı olarak telakki edilmektedir.

The computer is regarded as an extension of the human mind.

Formal passive 'telakki edilmek'.

Bilgisayarın hesaplama kapasitesi, insan beyninin karmaşıklığıyla kıyaslanamaz.

The computer's computing capacity cannot be compared with the complexity of the human brain.

Negative potential mood.

Bilgisayar teknolojisindeki paradigmatik dönüşüm, toplumsal yapıyı sarsmıştır.

The paradigmatic shift in computer technology has shaken the social structure.

High-level vocabulary.

Bilgisayar algoritmalarının etik boyutları, günümüz felsefesinin temel konularındandır.

The ethical dimensions of computer algorithms are among the fundamental topics of contemporary philosophy.

Complex genitive chain.

Bilgisayarın icadı, sanayi devriminden sonraki en büyük kırılma noktasıdır.

The invention of the computer is the greatest breaking point after the industrial revolution.

Historical comparison.

Bilgisayar sistemlerindeki zafiyetler, küresel ekonomiyi tehdit edebilecek boyuttadır.

Vulnerabilities in computer systems are of a magnitude that could threaten the global economy.

Future participle 'edilecek'.

Bilgisayarlaşmanın getirdiği yabancılaşma, sosyolojik açıdan derinlemesine incelenmelidir.

The alienation brought by computerization must be examined in depth from a sociological perspective.

Nominalized verb 'getirdiği'.

Bilgisayar mimarisi, verimlilik ve hız dengesi üzerine inşa edilir.

Computer architecture is built upon the balance of efficiency and speed.

Professional terminology.

Common Collocations

Bilgisayar oyunu

Bilgisayar mühendisi

Bilgisayar kullanmak

Bilgisayar çantası

Bilgisayar kursu

Bilgisayar ağı

Bilgisayar virüsü

Bilgisayar ekranı

Bilgisayar masası

Bilgisayar programı

Common Phrases

Bilgisayarın başında

— At the computer (spending time using it).

Bütün gün bilgisayarın başındaydı.

Bilgisayar çöktü

— The computer crashed.

Ödevimi yaparken bilgisayar çöktü.

Bilgisayara format atmak

— To format/reset the computer.

Bilgisayara format atmam gerekiyor.

Bilgisayar toplamak

— To build a custom PC.

Yeni bir oyun bilgisayarı topladım.

Bilgisayarı açmak/kapatmak

— To turn on/off the computer.

Lütfen çıkarken bilgisayarı kapat.

Bilgisayara kaydetmek

— To save to the computer.

Dosyayı bilgisayara kaydettin mi?

Bilgisayar dondu

— The computer froze.

Ekran gelmiyor, bilgisayar dondu.

Bilgisayar kasmak

— Computer lagging (slang).

Oyun oynarken bilgisayar çok kasıyor.

Bilgisayardan anlamak

— To be tech-savvy/know about computers.

O bilgisayardan çok iyi anlar.

Bilgisayar ortamında

— In a digital/computer environment.

Sınav bilgisayar ortamında yapılacak.

Often Confused With

bilgisayar vs Bilgi

Bilgi is the information, bilgisayar is the machine.

bilgisayar vs Hesap makinesi

Calculator. Bilgisayar is much more complex.

bilgisayar vs Televizyon

Sometimes elderly people confuse the screens, but they are different.

Idioms & Expressions

"Bilgisayar gibi kafa"

— To have a head like a computer (very smart/calculating).

Adamda bilgisayar gibi kafa var, her şeyi hatırlıyor.

Informal

"Bilgisayar kurdu"

— Computer worm (a computer geek/expert).

Bizim Ali tam bir bilgisayar kurdu.

Informal

"Bilgisayar başında sabahlamak"

— To stay up all night at the computer.

Proje için bilgisayar başında sabahladım.

Neutral

"Bilgisayar gibi tıkır tıkır işlemek"

— To work smoothly like a computer.

Yeni sistem bilgisayar gibi tıkır tıkır işliyor.

Informal

"Bilgisayara esir olmak"

— To be a slave to the computer (addicted).

Gençler bilgisayara esir olmuş durumda.

Critical

"Bilgisayar diliyle konuşmak"

— To speak in technical jargon.

Sürekli bilgisayar diliyle konuşuyor, hiçbir şey anlamıyorum.

Neutral

"Bilgisayarın fişini çekmek"

— To pull the plug (literally or metaphorically ending something).

Artık bu projenin bilgisayar fişini çektik.

Informal

"Bilgisayar gibi soğuk"

— As cold/emotionless as a computer.

Çok bilgisayar gibi soğuk bir insan.

Metaphorical

"Bilgisayar hafızalı"

— Having a computer-like memory.

Onun bilgisayar hafızalı olduğunu herkes bilir.

Complimentary

"Bilgisayarı konuşturmak"

— To make the computer 'talk' (to use it very skillfully).

Yazılımcı resmen bilgisayarı konuşturuyor.

Informal

Easily Confused

bilgisayar vs Bilişim

Both relate to IT.

Bilgisayar is the hardware; Bilişim is the field of Information Science.

Bilişim sektöründe bilgisayar kullanıyoruz.

bilgisayar vs Yazılım

Often used together.

Yazılım is software; Bilgisayar is the physical device.

Bilgisayara yeni bir yazılım yükledim.

bilgisayar vs Donanım

Technical context.

Donanım is the hardware components of the bilgisayar.

Bu bilgisayarın donanımı çok güçlü.

bilgisayar vs İnternet

People say 'I am on the computer' when they mean internet.

İnternet is the network; Bilgisayar is the tool to access it.

Bilgisayar var ama internet yok.

bilgisayar vs Tablet

Similar function.

Tablet is a touch-screen mobile device; Bilgisayar usually implies a PC/Laptop.

Tablet bilgisayardan daha hafif.

Sentence Patterns

Bu bir [bilgisayar].

Bu bir bilgisayar.

[Bilgisayar] + var/yok.

Bilgisayarım var.

[Bilgisayar] + da + [verb].

Bilgisayarda çalışıyorum.

[Adjective] + [bilgisayar].

Hızlı bir bilgisayar istiyorum.

[Bilgisayar] + için + [noun].

Bilgisayar için fare aldım.

[Bilgisayar] + ı + [verb].

Bilgisayarı tamir ettim.

[Bilgisayar] + dan + [verb].

Bilgisayardan anlıyorum.

[Bilgisayar] + laşma + [suffix].

Bilgisayarlaşma hızı artıyor.

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

Extremely frequent in daily and professional life.

Common Mistakes

Bilgisayer → Bilgisayar
The word uses back vowel harmony, so it's 'a', not 'e'.
Bilgisayarda oyun yapmak → Bilgisayarda oyun oynamak
You 'play' (oynamak) games, you don't 'make' (yapmak) them unless you are a developer.
Bilgisayarın üstünde → Bilgisayarda
Use 'da' for digital presence. 'Üstünde' means physically on top of the machine.
Bilgisayarım bozuktu → Bilgisayarım bozuldu
'Bozuktu' means it was already broken; 'bozuldu' means it broke down.
Bilgisayar fare → Bilgisayar faresi
In a noun compound, the second word needs the possessive suffix '-i/-si'.

Tips

Info-Counter

Remember: Bilgi = Info, Sayar = Counter. A computer counts info!

Vowel Harmony

It only has back vowels (a, ı), so all suffixes will also have back vowels (lar, da, dan).

Stress the End

Make sure to put the emphasis on the last syllable: bil-gi-sa-YAR.

Pure Turkish

Turks are proud of this word because it's not a loanword. Using it makes you sound more native.

Compound Power

Learn it with 'oyun' (game) or 'çanta' (bag) to quickly expand your vocabulary.

At the Computer

Use 'bilgisayarın başında' to describe someone sitting and working/playing.

No Mutation

Unlike words ending in k, t, p, ç, 'bilgisayar' doesn't change its last letter when adding vowels.

Suffix Watch

Listen for the case endings to know if someone is talking TO, FROM, or ON the computer.

PC vs Laptop

If you want to be specific, use 'masaüstü' for PC and 'dizüstü' for laptop.

Daily Object

Label your computer with a sticky note saying 'bilgisayar' to remember it every day.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Bilgi' (Information) and 'Sayar' (Counter). A computer is a machine that 'counts information'.

Visual Association

Imagine a giant calculator (sayar) being fed books of information (bilgi).

Word Web

bilgi saymak internet oyun ekran klavye fare yazılım

Challenge

Try to name 5 things you do on a 'bilgisayar' every day in Turkish.

Word Origin

Coined in 1969 by Turkish computer scientist Aydın Köksal. It is a neologism created during the 'Öztürkçe' movement.

Original meaning: Information counter / Data processor.

Turkic (constructed from native roots).

Cultural Context

No specific sensitivities, but be aware of the digital divide in rural areas.

Unlike English which uses 'computer' (from Latin), Turkish uses a descriptive native compound.

Aydın Köksal (the creator of the word) Teknofest (major Turkish tech festival) Cahit Arf (famous Turkish mathematician)

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

At the office

Bilgisayarı aç
E-postanı kontrol et
Dosyayı kaydet
Bilgisayar dondu

At school

Bilgisayar ödevi
Laboratuvar saati
Sunum hazırlamak
Araştırma yapmak

Electronics store

Kaç para?
Özellikleri neler?
Garanti süresi
İndirim var mı?

At home

Oyun oynamak
Film izlemek
İnternete girmek
Bilgisayarı kapat

Technical support

Format atmak
Virüs temizlemek
Yedek almak
Hata mesajı

Conversation Starters

"Bilgisayarın markası ne?"

"Bilgisayarda çok vakit geçirir misin?"

"Sence en iyi bilgisayar hangisi?"

"Bilgisayar oyunlarını sever misin?"

"İşin için bilgisayar şart mı?"

Journal Prompts

Bugün bilgisayarda neler yaptığını anlat.

İlk bilgisayarını hatırlıyor musun? Nasıl bir şeydi?

Bilgisayarsız bir dünya nasıl olurdu?

Hayalindeki bilgisayarın özelliklerini yaz.

Bilgisayar oyunlarının faydaları ve zararları nelerdir?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

It comes from 'bilgi' (information) and 'sayar' (counter). So it literally means 'information counter'.

Yes, 'laptop' is very common in informal speech, but 'dizüstü bilgisayar' is the formal term.

You say 'bilgisayarda'. For example: 'Bilgisayarda çalışıyorum' (I am working on the computer).

It was coined by Aydın Köksal in 1969 as a native Turkish alternative to 'computer'.

No, it is a hard 'g' like in 'gold'. It is not the soft 'ğ'.

By adding '-lar' to get 'bilgisayarlar'.

Yes, 'PC' (pronounced pe-ce) is understood, especially among gamers and tech enthusiasts.

It is 'bilgisayar mühendisi'.

You say 'bilgisayarım'.

Yes, it is one of the most common nouns in modern Turkish.