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A2 noun 8 min read

boşluk

Examples boşluk in 30 Seconds
Explanation boşluk in your Level:
At the A1 level, 'boşluk' is primarily used to mean 'blank space' or 'gap'. You will most commonly see it in your Turkish textbooks or on exam papers. When a teacher says 'Boşlukları doldurun', they want you to write the missing words in the empty spaces. It is a very concrete term at this stage. You might also use it to describe a simple physical gap, like the space between two books on a shelf. The focus for A1 learners is on the spelling and the basic meaning of 'empty space'. You should learn it alongside the verb 'doldurmak' (to fill), as they are almost always used together in a classroom setting. Remember that the plural is 'boşluklar'. You don't need to worry about the abstract or philosophical meanings yet. Just think of it as the white space on a page where you need to write something. It is one of the first nouns you will learn related to the 'language of learning' itself.
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By A2, you can start using 'boşluk' in more varied everyday contexts. You might use it to describe a gap in a fence, a space between furniture, or a 'free slot' in your daily schedule. For example, 'Bugün saat ikide bir boşluğum var' (I have a gap at two o'clock today). This shows you are moving beyond just classroom vocabulary and into time management. You will also encounter the word when filling out official forms or applications, where 'boşluk bırakmak' (to leave a space) becomes a common instruction. You should be comfortable with the consonant mutation: 'boşluk' becomes 'boşluğu' when you say 'the gap of...' or 'its gap'. At this level, you are beginning to see how 'boşluk' describes not just paper, but the physical world around you. It is a useful word for giving directions or describing the layout of a room.
At the B1 level, you should be able to use 'boşluk' to describe emotional states and more abstract concepts. This is where you might say 'İçimde bir boşluk hissediyorum' (I feel an emptiness inside me) after a sad event. You can also use it to describe gaps in a story, a plan, or a conversation. If someone stops talking suddenly, you might call that a 'sessizlik boşluğu' (a gap of silence). You will start to see 'boşluk' in more idiomatic expressions, such as 'boşlukta kalmak', which means to feel unsupported or to be in a state of uncertainty. Your understanding of the word should now include the idea of 'vacancy'—like a job opening or an unoccupied position. You are moving from the concrete 'blank space' to the more nuanced 'absence' of something that is expected to be there. This is a key transition in mastering Turkish abstract thought.
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At the B2 level, 'boşluk' becomes a tool for more sophisticated analysis and description. You will encounter it in news articles discussing a 'güvenlik boşluğu' (security gap) or a 'yasal boşluk' (legal loophole). You should be able to discuss complex topics like 'power vacuums' (güç boşluğu) in political contexts. Your vocabulary should include technical uses, such as 'boşluk tuşu' for the space bar on a keyboard or 'hava boşluğu' for an air pocket during a flight. You can use the word to critique a piece of writing or a movie, noting 'mantık boşlukları' (logical gaps) in the plot. At this stage, you are expected to understand the difference between 'boşluk', 'ara', and 'mesafe' in nuanced contexts. You can use 'boşluk' to describe the lack of a certain quality in a person's character or a project's execution. It is a word that helps you express missing links in complex systems.
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By C1, you are exploring the philosophical and literary depths of 'boşluk'. You might read existentialist Turkish literature where the 'boşluk' represents the void of existence or the search for meaning in a modern world. You should be able to use the word in academic writing to describe a 'literatürdeki boşluk' (a gap in the literature) that your research aims to fill. You will understand the subtle connotations of the word in poetry, where it might symbolize loss, longing, or the infinite. Your usage should be precise, choosing 'boşluk' over synonyms to convey a specific sense of 'nothingness' or 'unfilled potential'. You can also engage in discussions about scientific concepts like the 'vacuum of space' or 'subatomic gaps' using this term. At this level, 'boşluk' is no longer just a word for a blank on a page; it is a fundamental concept in your ability to discuss the nature of reality and human experience in Turkish.
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At the C2 level, your mastery of 'boşluk' is complete, allowing you to use it with the same nuance as a native speaker in the most demanding contexts. You can use it in high-level legal arguments to identify 'kanun boşlukları' that require judicial interpretation. In literary criticism, you can analyze how an author uses 'boşluk' (white space or silence) as a narrative device. You are comfortable with all idiomatic and metaphorical extensions of the word, using them effortlessly in spontaneous speech. You can distinguish between the 'boşluk' of a vacuum, the 'boşluk' of a missing tooth, and the 'boşluk' of an existential crisis with perfect contextual accuracy. You might even use the word to describe complex architectural theories or advanced physics. For a C2 learner, 'boşluk' is a versatile and powerful linguistic tool that can be adapted to any register, from the most informal slang to the most formal academic discourse.
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Examples

boşluk in 30 Seconds

  • Boşluk means 'gap' or 'blank space' in Turkish.
  • It is used for physical holes, empty spots on forms, and emotional emptiness.
  • The word changes to 'boşluğu' when adding suffixes starting with a vowel.
  • Commonly paired with 'doldurmak' (to fill) or 'bırakmak' (to leave).

The Turkish word boşluk is a versatile noun derived from the adjective 'boş' (empty) and the suffix '-luk', which creates abstract nouns or states of being. At its core, it refers to an absence of matter, content, or activity within a defined area or time. In everyday Turkish, you will encounter this word in contexts ranging from physical architecture to emotional states and bureaucratic procedures. When you see a form that needs filling, the white spaces are called 'boşluklar'. When a scientist discusses the vacuum of space, they refer to it as 'boşluk'. Even in interpersonal relationships, the feeling of loss after someone leaves is described as a 'boşluk'. Understanding this word requires recognizing that it doesn't just mean 'nothingness'; it often implies a space that *should* be occupied or was previously occupied.

Physical Gap
A physical opening or break in continuity, like a gap between two teeth or a hole in a fence.

Dişlerinin arasındaki boşluk ona karakteristik bir hava katıyor.

Blank Space
The empty fields on a document or a test paper where information is missing.

Sınav kağıdındaki boşlukları kurşun kalemle doldurunuz.

Existential Void
A metaphorical sense of emptiness in one's life or heart.

Emekli olduktan sonra büyük bir boşluğa düştü.

In technical fields, 'boşluk' takes on more specific meanings. In law, a 'kanun boşluğu' (legal loophole or gap in the law) refers to a situation where the current legislation does not provide a clear rule for a specific case. In physics, 'boşluk' is used to describe a vacuum, where atmospheric pressure is significantly lower than normal or where there is no matter at all. The word is also used in typography and design to refer to 'white space' or 'kerning'—the distance between letters or elements. Whether you are talking about the vastness of the cosmos or a missing word in a sentence, 'boşluk' is the essential term for what isn't there, but perhaps should be.

Uzaydaki mutlak boşluk insan yaşamı için uygun değildir.

Temporal Gap
A break in a schedule or a period of time where nothing is planned.

İki toplantı arasındaki boşlukta kahve içebiliriz.

Using boşluk correctly involves understanding its grammatical behavior as a noun. It follows standard Turkish vowel harmony and consonant mutation rules. For instance, when adding a suffix starting with a vowel, the final 'k' changes to 'ğ' (boşluğu, boşluğa, boşluğun). It can function as the subject, object, or part of a prepositional phrase in a sentence. Because it describes a state of 'emptiness', it is often paired with verbs like 'doldurmak' (to fill), 'yaratmak' (to create), or 'hissetmek' (to feel).

As a Direct Object
When you are performing an action on the gap or space.

Lütfen bu boşluğu adınızla doldurun.

In the Locative Case
Describing something located within a gap.

Anahtarlar koltuğun arasındaki boşlukta kalmış.

In more complex sentences, 'boşluk' often appears in possessive constructions. For example, 'zaman boşluğu' (a gap in time) or 'güvenlik boşluğu' (a security gap). In these cases, the second word takes the third-person possessive suffix. This allows for very specific descriptions of what kind of emptiness or gap is being discussed. Furthermore, 'boşluk' is frequently used in the plural 'boşluklar' to refer to multiple blanks on a test or multiple gaps in a structure.

Şehir planlamasındaki boşluklar trafiği olumsuz etkiliyor.

Abstract Usage
Using 'boşluk' to describe missing information or lack of logic.

Anlattığın hikayede çok fazla boşluk var.

Finally, the word is used in the phrase 'boşluk bırakmak' (to leave a gap). This is common in instructions for writing or formatting. If you are told to 'iki kelime arasında boşluk bırak', it means 'leave a space between two words'. This construction is vital for anyone learning to write or type in Turkish correctly.

You will hear boşluk in a variety of real-world settings. In a classroom, a teacher might say, 'Boşlukları uygun kelimelerle tamamlayın' (Complete the blanks with appropriate words). This is perhaps the most common academic use of the word. In a professional office environment, a colleague might mention a 'boşluk' in their calendar, meaning they have a free slot for a meeting. If you are at a construction site or looking at a house, an architect might point out a 'boşluk' in the wall designed for a window or a door.

At the Doctor
A dentist might talk about a gap between teeth.

Dişlerinizin arasındaki bu boşluk yemek artıklarının birikmesine neden olabilir.

In Daily Conversation
Discussing feelings of boredom or lack of purpose.

Bugün kendimi büyük bir boşlukta hissediyorum, ne yapacağımı bilmiyorum.

In news broadcasts, you might hear about a 'güç boşluğu' (power vacuum) in a neighboring country after a political shift. This is a very common term in political analysis. Additionally, in the world of technology, 'güvenlik boşluğu' is the standard term for a security vulnerability or exploit. If you are using a computer, the 'Space' bar on the keyboard is often simply referred to as the 'boşluk tuşu'. Thus, from the most abstract political theory to the most mundane physical action of typing, 'boşluk' is everywhere.

Klavyedeki boşluk tuşu çalışmıyor, yazamıyorum.

In Sports
Referring to an opening in the opponent's defense.

Forvet oyuncusu defanstaki boşluğu iyi değerlendirdi.

Learners of Turkish often make a few specific mistakes when using boşluk. The most frequent error is confusing it with 'ara' (interval/break) or 'mesafe' (distance). While all three relate to space, 'boşluk' emphasizes the *emptiness* or the *absence* of something, whereas 'ara' focuses on the *relationship* or *duration* between two points, and 'mesafe' is a literal measurement of distance.

Boşluk vs. Ara
Use 'ara' for breaks in time (e.g., lunch break) and 'boşluk' for an empty slot in a schedule.

Yanlış: Öğle boşluğu ne zaman? (Incorrect for lunch break)
Doğru: Öğle arası ne zaman?

Boşluk vs. Delik
A 'delik' is a hole that goes through something, while 'boşluk' is a more general space.

Çorabımdaki boşluk büyüyor. (Incorrect)
Doğru: Çorabımdaki delik büyüyor.

Another mistake involves the figurative use of the word. Some learners try to use 'boşluk' where 'yalnızlık' (loneliness) or 'anlamsızlık' (meaninglessness) might be more precise. While 'boşluk' can imply these things, it specifically refers to the *feeling* of a void. Finally, ensure you don't confuse 'boşluk' with the adjective 'boş'. You cannot say 'Bu oda çok boşluk' to mean 'This room is very empty'; you must say 'Bu oda çok boş' or 'Bu odada büyük bir boşluk var'.

Gereksiz boşluk bırakmayın. (Don't leave unnecessary space.)

Spelling Errors
Avoid writing it as 'boşluk' when it should be pluralized or possessive in context. Pay attention to the buffer letters when needed.

To enrich your Turkish vocabulary, it is helpful to know words that are similar to boşluk but carry different nuances. Depending on whether you are talking about a physical hole, a period of time, or an abstract concept, you might choose a different term. Using the right word will make your Turkish sound much more natural and precise.

Açıklık (Opening/Clarity)
Often used for a clear space in a forest or an opening in a wall that lets light in. Unlike 'boşluk', it often has a positive or functional connotation.

Ormandaki bu açıklıkta kamp kurabiliriz.

Mesafe (Distance)
Specifically refers to the measurable space between two objects.

İki şehir arasındaki mesafe çok uzun.

Vakum (Vacuum)
A scientific term for a space entirely devoid of matter. While 'boşluk' can mean this, 'vakum' is more technical.

Laboratuvarda tam bir vakum ortamı oluşturuldu.

In a literary context, you might use 'hiçlik' (nothingness/nihility) to express a deeper philosophical 'boşluk'. If you are talking about a physical pit or cavity, 'çukur' or 'oyuk' might be more appropriate. For example, a 'boşluk' in a rock might be called an 'oyuk'. Understanding these synonyms helps you navigate different registers of Turkish, from the casual street talk to academic writing. Always consider if you are describing an absence (boşluk), a distance (mesafe), or a functional opening (açıklık).

Hayatın hiçliğini sorgulayan bir şairdi.

Ara (Interval)
Comparing 'boşluk' and 'ara': 'Boşluk' is the hole; 'ara' is the distance between the edges of the hole.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /boʃˈluk/
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Examples by Level

1

Boşluğu doldur.

Fill the blank.

Imperative mood.

2

Burada bir boşluk var.

There is a gap here.

Existential 'var'.

3

Lütfen bir boşluk bırakın.

Please leave a space.

Polite imperative.

4

İki kelime arasında boşluk yok.

There is no space between two words.

Negative existential 'yok'.

5

Boşlukları sayın.

Count the blanks.

Plural noun.

6

Büyük bir boşluk.

A big gap.

Adjective + Noun.

7

Bu boşluk küçük.

This gap is small.

Demonstrative pronoun.

8

Soru işaretinden sonra boşluk var mı?

Is there a space after the question mark?

Interrogative particle 'mı'.

1

Dişlerimin arasında boşluk var.

There is a gap between my teeth.

Genitive-possessive construction.

2

Programımda bir boşluk buldum.

I found a gap in my schedule.

Past tense 'buldum'.

3

Duvarın arasındaki boşluğu kapatın.

Close the gap between the walls.

Accusative case 'boşluğu'.

4

Formdaki boşlukları mavi kalemle doldurun.

Fill the blanks on the form with a blue pen.

Plural accusative.

5

Arabanın arkasında çok boşluk var.

There is a lot of space behind the car.

Locative 'arkasında'.

6

Kutuların arasında hiç boşluk kalmadı.

No space left between the boxes.

Negative verb 'kalmadı'.

7

Bu boşluğa ne yazmalıyım?

What should I write in this blank?

Dative case 'boşluğa'.

8

Kapının altındaki boşluktan soğuk geliyor.

Cold air is coming from the gap under the door.

Ablative case 'boşluktan'.

1

Onun gidişiyle büyük bir boşluk oluştu.

A big void was created with his departure.

Abstract usage.

2

Kendimi bazen boşlukta hissediyorum.

I sometimes feel like I'm in a void.

Locative case 'boşlukta'.

3

İş yerinde bir pozisyon boşluğu var.

There is a job vacancy at work.

Noun compound.

4

Konuşmamda bazı boşluklar olabilir.

There might be some gaps in my speech.

Possibility 'olabilir'.

5

Bu planın içindeki boşlukları görmüyor musun?

Don't you see the gaps in this plan?

Interrogative negative.

6

Zaman boşluğunu değerlendirmek için kitap okudu.

He read a book to make use of the gap in time.

Compound noun in accusative.

7

Anılarımda bazı boşluklar var.

There are some gaps in my memories.

Metaphorical usage.

8

İki bina arasındaki boşluk çok dar.

The gap between the two buildings is very narrow.

Adjective 'dar'.

1

Kanundaki boşluktan yararlanarak vergi ödemedi.

He didn't pay taxes by taking advantage of the legal loophole.

Legal terminology.

2

Sistemin güvenlik boşluğu dün fark edildi.

The system's security gap was noticed yesterday.

Passive voice 'fark edildi'.

3

Yazar, hikayedeki boşlukları okuyucunun hayal gücüne bırakmış.

The author left the gaps in the story to the reader's imagination.

Literary analysis.

4

Uçaktaki hava boşluğu yolcuları korkuttu.

The air pocket in the plane scared the passengers.

Compound noun 'hava boşluğu'.

5

Politikadaki güç boşluğu kaosa neden oldu.

The power vacuum in politics caused chaos.

Political terminology.

6

Bu iki teori arasında büyük bir boşluk var.

There is a big gap between these two theories.

Comparison.

7

Şirketin bütçesindeki boşluk henüz kapanmadı.

The gap in the company's budget hasn't been closed yet.

Financial context.

8

Eğitim sistemindeki boşluklar geleceğimizi tehdit ediyor.

The gaps in the education system threaten our future.

Social commentary.

1

Varoluşsal bir boşluk içinde debelenip duruyor.

He is struggling within an existential void.

Existential philosophy.

2

Makalesinde literatürdeki önemli bir boşluğu doldurmuş.

In his article, he filled an important gap in the literature.

Academic context.

3

Şiirindeki sessizlik boşlukları çok anlamlıydı.

The silences/gaps in his poetry were very meaningful.

Aesthetic analysis.

4

Uzayın derinliklerindeki mutlak boşluk ürkütücüdür.

The absolute vacuum in the depths of space is terrifying.

Scientific context.

5

Toplumun farklı kesimleri arasındaki iletişim boşluğu büyüyor.

The communication gap between different segments of society is growing.

Sociological context.

6

Mantık boşluklarıyla dolu bir savunma yaptı.

He made a defense full of logical gaps.

Logical critique.

7

Mimar, yapıda ışık boşlukları kullanarak ferahlık sağlamış.

The architect provided spaciousness by using light gaps in the building.

Architectural context.

8

Hafızasındaki boşluklar travma sonrası artmaya başladı.

The gaps in his memory began to increase after the trauma.

Psychological context.

1

Ontolojik bir boşluk kavramı üzerine derin bir tartışmaya girdiler.

They entered a deep discussion on the concept of an ontological void.

High-level philosophy.

2

Metnin satır aralarındaki boşluklar, söylenmeyenleri haykırıyordu.

The gaps between the lines of the text were screaming what was unsaid.

Literary metaphor.

3

Yönetimsel boşluk, kurumun iflasına zemin hazırladı.

The administrative vacuum prepared the ground for the institution's bankruptcy.

Business management.

4

Evrenin dokusundaki boşluklar hala gizemini koruyor.

The gaps in the fabric of the universe still maintain their mystery.

Astrophysics.

5

Dilin yetersiz kaldığı o derin boşlukta sadece bakıştılar.

They just looked at each other in that deep void where language falls short.

Poetic narrative.

6

Anayasa Mahkemesi, yasal boşluğu gidermek için yeni bir karar aldı.

The Constitutional Court made a new decision to eliminate the legal gap.

Legal/Judicial context.

7

Modern insanın ruhsal boşluğu tüketim kültürüyle doldurulamaz.

The spiritual void of modern man cannot be filled by consumer culture.

Cultural critique.

8

Kuantum boşluğu, sanılanın aksine enerjiyle doludur.

The quantum vacuum, contrary to what is thought, is full of energy.

Quantum physics.

Common Collocations

boşluk doldurma
boşluk bırakmak
kanun boşluğu
güvenlik boşluğu
hava boşluğu
zaman boşluğu
duygusal boşluk
güç boşluğu
mantık boşluğu
boşluk tuşu

Common Phrases

Büyük bir boşluk

— A significant gap or void.

Onun ölümü büyük bir boşluk bıraktı.

Boşlukları tamamlamak

— To complete the missing parts.

Lütfen listedeki boşlukları tamamlayın.

Boşlukta sallanmak

— To be in an unstable or uncertain position.

Proje şu an boşlukta sallanıyor.

Boşluğa gelmek

— To happen at an unguarded or distracted moment.

Boşluğuma geldi, cüzdanımı çaldırdım.

Boşluğa düşmek

— To fall into a state of emptiness or depression.

İşini kaybedince boşluğa düştü.

Boşluktan yararlanmak

— To take advantage of a gap or opportunity.

Defanstaki boşluktan yararlanıp gol attı.

Sessizlik boşluğu

— A gap of silence in a conversation.

Konuşma sırasında uzun bir sessizlik boşluğu oldu.

Yer kaplamayan boşluk

— A space that doesn't take up room (often metaphorical).

Zihnimde yer kaplamayan bir boşluk var.

Boşluk hissi

— A feeling of emptiness.

İçimdeki boşluk hissi geçmiyor.

Adımını boşluğa atmak

— To step into thin air or make a risky move.

Karanlıkta adımını boşluğa attı ve düştü.

Idioms & Expressions

"Boşlukta kalmak"

— To be left without support or to be in an uncertain state.

Tayini çıkmayınca boşlukta kaldı.

Informal
"Boşluğa bakmak"

— To stare into space blankly.

Saatlerce pencereden boşluğa baktı.

Neutral
"Boşluğunu doldurmak"

— To fill someone's place or replace something missing.

Onun boşluğunu kimse dolduramaz.

Neutral
"Boşluk bulmak"

— To find a free moment or an opportunity.

Bir boşluk bulup kaçtı.

Neutral
"Boşluğa konuşmak"

— To talk to no one or to talk without being heard.

Sanki boşluğa konuşuyorum, beni dinlemiyorsun.

Informal
"Boşluk yaratmak"

— To create a gap or a free space.

Programında bana da bir boşluk yaratabilir misin?

Neutral
"Boşluktan doğmak"

— To arise from a lack of something.

Bu fikir bir ihtiyaç boşluğundan doğdu.

Formal
"Boşluğa yuvarlanmak"

— To decline or fall into a bad state quickly.

Şirket yönetim boşluğu yüzünden boşluğa yuvarlandı.

Literary
"Boşluk bırakmamak"

— To leave no room for doubt or error.

Kanıtlar hiçbir boşluk bırakmıyor.

Formal
"Boşluğa basmak"

— To step on thin air or make a mistake.

Merdiven bitti sandım ve boşluğa bastım.

Neutral
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