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B1 noun 10 min read

gelir

Examples Notes & Tips gelir in 30 Seconds
Explanation gelir in your Level:
At the A1 level, the word 'gelir' is introduced primarily as a concept related to 'money coming in.' Since A1 focuses on basic survival and daily routines, you might not use 'gelir' yourself often, but you will see it in simple forms. It is important to distinguish it from the verb 'gelmek' (to come). At this stage, think of 'gelir' as the opposite of 'gider' (money going out). You might see it on a very basic budget worksheet or in a simple sentence like 'Para gelir' (Money comes). However, most A1 students will use the word 'para' (money) instead. The goal for A1 is simply to recognize that 'gelir' exists and is related to financial inflow. You should be able to recognize it in a list of words like 'maaş' (salary) and 'banka' (bank). Avoid trying to use it in complex grammar; just remember 'gelir' = 'income.'
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At the A2 level, you begin to talk about family and work in more detail. You can use 'gelir' in simple possessive constructions. For example, 'Babamın geliri iyi' (My father's income is good). You will also encounter it in the context of shopping and basic banking. You should be able to understand simple signs in a bank that mention 'gelir.' At this level, you are expected to know the difference between 'gelir' (the noun) and 'gelir' (the verb 'he comes') through context. If you see 'Onun geliri,' you know it's a noun because of the possessive '-i.' If you see 'O gelir,' you know it's a verb. You can also start using it with simple adjectives like 'az gelir' (low income) or 'çok gelir' (high income), though 'düşük' and 'yüksek' are more common as you progress.
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B1 is the level where 'gelir' becomes a key vocabulary item. You are now expected to discuss your professional life and broader social issues. You should use 'gelir' in compound nouns like 'gelir vergisi' (income tax) or 'gelir düzeyi' (income level). You will be able to explain your financial situation more precisely, using 'gelir' to describe various sources of money, not just a 'maaş' (salary). You can participate in conversations about the cost of living and how your 'gelir' matches your 'gider' (expenses). At B1, you should also be comfortable with the word in different grammatical cases, such as 'Gelire ihtiyacım var' (I need income). This is the stage where you move from seeing it as just a word for money to seeing it as a formal economic term.
At the B2 level, you use 'gelir' in more abstract and technical ways. You can discuss 'gelir dağılımı' (income distribution) and 'milli gelir' (national income) with some degree of fluency. You can understand news reports about the economy and read articles that use 'gelir' in a corporate context, such as 'şirket gelirleri' (company revenues). You are aware of the nuances between 'gelir,' 'hasılat,' and 'kazanç.' You can use the word to form complex arguments about social justice or business strategy. For instance, you might say, 'Gelir eşitsizliği toplumda huzursuzluğa yol açıyor' (Income inequality is causing unrest in society). Your understanding of the word is no longer just personal; it is societal and professional.
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At the C1 level, your use of 'gelir' is sophisticated and precise. You can use it in academic or legal contexts without hesitation. You understand the historical and etymological roots of the word and can use it in idiomatic expressions or formal writing. You can discuss 'sürdürülebilir gelir kaynakları' (sustainable income sources) or 'gelir tablosu analizi' (income statement analysis) in detail. You are capable of reading complex financial legislation or economic theories in Turkish where 'gelir' is a central theme. You can also distinguish between subtle shades of meaning, such as 'pasif gelir' (passive income) versus 'aktif gelir' (active income), and explain these concepts to others in Turkish. Your vocabulary is rich enough to use 'gelir' as a building block for advanced economic discourse.
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At the C2 level, you have a native-like command of 'gelir.' You can use it in any context, from high-level political debate to nuanced literary analysis. You might explore the word's role in Turkish literature or use it to discuss philosophical concepts of wealth and 'incoming' fortune. You can effortlessly switch between formal economic registers and colloquial uses. You might critique government 'gelir politikaları' (income policies) with the same ease as a native economist. You understand the most obscure compound terms and can even use the word creatively. For a C2 speaker, 'gelir' is not just a word for money; it is a versatile tool for describing the flow of value in all its forms across the Turkish language landscape.
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Examples Notes & Tips

gelir in 30 Seconds

  • Gelir means income or revenue in Turkish, derived from the verb 'gelmek' (to come).
  • It is a noun used to describe financial inflow for individuals, businesses, or the state.
  • Commonly paired with 'gider' (expense) to discuss financial balance and budgeting.
  • Must be distinguished from the verb form 'gelir' (he/she/it comes) through context.

The Turkish word gelir is a fundamental noun in the realm of finance, economics, and daily life. Etymologically derived from the verb gelmek (to come), it literally signifies 'that which comes' or 'incoming.' In English, it is most accurately translated as income, revenue, or earnings. This word represents the money an individual, a business, or a state receives in exchange for providing a good or service, or through investing capital. It is a B1 level word because while its root is simple, its application in various bureaucratic and financial contexts requires a deeper understanding of Turkish nominal structures.

Individual Context
For a person, gelir refers to their salary, bonuses, or any rent they might collect. It is the total amount of money flowing into their bank account before or after taxes.
Business Context
In a corporate setting, gelir is the revenue or turnover. It is the top line of the income statement, representing the total amount of money brought in by sales.
Macroeconomic Context
When talking about a nation, milli gelir means National Income. It is used to discuss GDP and the economic health of a country.

Understanding gelir is crucial for navigating life in Turkey, whether you are opening a bank account, applying for a visa, or discussing your job. It is frequently paired with its opposite, gider (expense), to form the phrase gelir-gider dengesi (income-expense balance). In Turkish culture, discussing one's specific income is often considered private or even taboo among acquaintances, but the general concept of 'earning a living' (geçimini sağlamak) is a common topic of conversation.

Bu ayki toplam gelir miktarımız beklediğimizden daha yüksek çıktı.

Translation: Our total income amount for this month turned out to be higher than we expected.

Historically, the word reflects the agrarian and trade roots of Turkic societies where wealth was seen as something that 'arrives' as a result of labor or luck. In modern Turkish, it has become a technical term used in law (Gelir Vergisi Kanunu - Income Tax Law) and accounting. When you use this word, you are speaking the language of sustainability and financial planning. Whether you are a student receiving a scholarship (burs geliri) or a retiree receiving a pension, the word gelir encompasses all forms of financial inflow.

Ek bir gelir kapısı bulmak için yeni bir işe başladı.

Translation: He started a new job to find an additional source (door) of income.

Using gelir effectively requires understanding its role as a noun that can take all Turkish case endings and possessive suffixes. Because it ends in a consonant, it follows standard vowel harmony rules. One of the most common ways to use it is in the possessive form to indicate whose income is being discussed. For example, benim gelirim (my income), senin gelirin (your income), onun geliri (his/her/its income). Note that in the third person singular onun geliri, the 'i' is the possessive suffix, not to be confused with the accusative case.

Possessive Usage
"Ailemizin toplam geliri kirayı ödemeye yetiyor." (Our family's total income is enough to pay the rent.)
Dative Case (Direction)
"Bu yatırım, gelire büyük katkı sağladı." (This investment made a great contribution to the income.)
Ablative Case (Source)
"Birçok insan sadece bu gelirden mahrum kaldı." (Many people were deprived of only this income.)

Another frequent usage is in compound nouns. In Turkish, nouns can be joined to create specific terms. Gelir often acts as the first part of these compounds. Common examples include gelir vergisi (income tax), gelir tablosu (income statement), and gelir düzeyi (income level). In these cases, the second word takes the third-person possessive suffix -i/-ı/-u/-ü. This is a vital pattern for B1 learners to master as it allows for the description of complex economic concepts.

Düşük gelir grubundaki vatandaşlar için devlet yardımı yapılacak.

Translation: State aid will be provided for citizens in the low-income group.

In conversation, you will often hear gelir used with the verb elde etmek (to obtain/to gain). Saying "Gelir elde ediyorum" means "I am earning an income." This is more formal than simply saying "Para kazanıyorum" (I am earning money). Using gelir elevates your speech from basic survival Turkish to a more professional and precise level. It shows you understand the distinction between 'money' as a physical object (para) and 'income' as a financial concept.

Şirket, geçen yıla oranla daha fazla gelir elde etti.

Translation: The company obtained more revenue compared to last year.

The word gelir is ubiquitous in Turkish society, appearing in settings ranging from clinical bank offices to the evening news. If you are living in Turkey, one of the first places you will encounter it is at a bank. When applying for a credit card or a loan, the clerk will inevitably ask for a gelir belgesi (proof of income). This is usually a payroll slip (maaş bordrosu) that proves you have a steady stream of money. Without a documented gelir, many bureaucratic processes in Turkey come to a standstill.

News & Media
News anchors frequently discuss kişi başına düşen milli gelir (national income per capita). This is a standard metric used to compare Turkey's economic performance with other nations.
Job Interviews
While 'salary' (maaş) is the specific term for your monthly pay, an employer might talk about the toplam gelir paketi (total income package), including bonuses and benefits.
Real Estate
Landlords often look for tenants with a düzenli gelir (regular income) to ensure the rent is paid on time. You might see this requirement in online listings on sites like Sahibinden.

In the digital age, gelir has also found a home in the world of content creation and e-commerce. Turkish YouTubers and influencers often discuss reklam gelirleri (advertising revenues) or pasif gelir (passive income) models. This modern context shows how the word has adapted from traditional salary-based definitions to include digital assets and globalized revenue streams. If you are watching a Turkish documentary about social issues, you will likely hear about gelir adaletsizliği (income inequality), a major topic of sociological debate in the country.

Televizyondaki ekonomist, gelir dağılımındaki dengesizlikten bahsetti.

Translation: The economist on TV talked about the imbalance in income distribution.

Finally, in everyday neighborhood talk, you might hear a shopkeeper (esnaf) complaining that their günlük gelir (daily income) didn't even cover the electricity bill. In this context, the word is used to express the very practical, lived experience of trying to sustain a business. Whether in a high-rise office in Levent or a small tea house in Erzurum, the word gelir is the heartbeat of economic survival.

Kira geliri sayesinde emekliliğinde rahat bir yaşam sürüyor.

Translation: Thanks to rental income, he lives a comfortable life in his retirement.

The most significant pitfall for learners of Turkish is the homonym trap. The word gelir is both a noun (income) and a very common verb form. Specifically, it is the 3rd person singular aorist (geniş zaman) form of the verb gelmek (to come). This means 'he/she/it comes' or 'he/she/it usually comes' is also written and pronounced exactly as 'gelir'.

Noun vs. Verb
Verb: "O her sabah saat sekizde gelir." (He comes every morning at eight.)
Noun: "Onun aylık geliri çok yüksek." (His monthly income is very high.)
Confusing with 'Maaş'
While maaş is specifically a salary from an employer, gelir is the broader term. Don't say "Gelirimi aldım" if you just mean you got your paycheck; say "Maaşımı aldım." Use gelir when talking about your total financial situation.

Another common mistake involves the possessive suffix. English speakers often forget that in Turkish, the noun must agree with the owner. If you say "Benim gelir," it is grammatically incorrect. It must be benim gelirim. Similarly, when asking about someone's income, you must use the second person possessive: Senin gelirin ne kadar? (How much is your income?).

Wrong: Şirketin gelir çok az.
Right: Şirketin geliri çok az.

Note: The third person possessive suffix -i is mandatory here.

Lastly, learners sometimes confuse gelir with kazanç. While they are close synonyms, kazanç often implies profit or gain from a specific transaction, whereas gelir is the steady flow. If you win the lottery, that is a kazanç, but your monthly rent from an apartment you own is a gelir. Using gelir for a one-time windfall sounds slightly unnatural to native ears. Stick to gelir for recurring or total revenue streams.

To truly master the financial vocabulary of Turkish, you need to know how gelir compares to its synonyms and related terms. Turkish has several words for money earned, each with a specific nuance that changes depending on the context of the labor or the source of the funds.

Maaş vs. Gelir
Maaş is specifically a fixed monthly salary. Gelir is the broader term that includes your maaş plus any other money you make (rent, interest, side hustles).
Ücret vs. Gelir
Ücret usually refers to a wage paid for a specific task or per hour, or a fee for a service. Gelir is the accumulated total of these wages over a period.
Kazanç vs. Gelir
Kazanç means 'gain' or 'profit.' It focuses on the net benefit after effort. Gelir is more neutral and simply describes the inflow of money regardless of the effort or profit margin.
Hasılat vs. Gelir
Hasılat is an Arabic-rooted term used specifically for the 'takings' or gross proceeds of a business, often used for cinema box office or a shop's daily till.

In formal economics, you might also encounter the word irat. This is an older word, often used in legal contexts to refer specifically to income from real estate or fixed assets. While gelir has largely replaced it in modern speech, you might still see akar ve irat in old property deeds. For a B1 learner, focusing on gelir and its relationship with maaş and gider is the most productive path.

Bu projenin kazancı yüksek olabilir ama gelir akışı düzensiz.

Translation: The profit of this project might be high, but the income stream is irregular.

When you want to be very specific, you can use adjectives before gelir. Brüt gelir (gross income) and net gelir (net income) are essential for anyone working in Turkey. If you are discussing the government's money, kamu gelirleri (public revenues) is the term to use. By diversifying your vocabulary with these alternatives, you can express fine-grained financial distinctions that make your Turkish sound sophisticated and precise.

Fun Fact

The word 'gelir' is a perfect example of how Turkish creates abstract concepts from simple physical actions. 'Income' is literally 'the coming thing.'

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ɡeˈliɾ/
US /ɡəˈlɪər/
The stress is on the second syllable: ge-LİR.
Rhymes With
bilir denir yenir verilir serilir gerilir erir erilir
Common Errors
  • Pronouncing the 'r' too harshly like an American 'r'.
  • Confusing the vowel 'i' with the English 'i' in 'sit' (it should be 'ee').
  • Stressing the first syllable.
  • Making the 'e' sound too long.
  • Failing to distinguish the noun from the verb in speech (though they sound identical, the sentence rhythm differs).
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Examples by Level

1

Benim gelirim az.

My income is little.

Simple possessive suffix -im.

2

Bu senin gelirin mi?

Is this your income?

Question particle 'mi' used with a noun.

3

Para gelir, para gider.

Money comes, money goes.

Here 'gelir' is used as a verb (aorist), which is a good comparison for A1.

4

Gelir çok önemli.

Income is very important.

Simple subject-predicate sentence.

5

Evde gelir yok.

There is no income in the house.

Using 'yok' to show absence.

6

Yeni bir gelir lazım.

A new income is needed.

Noun + 'lazım' (needed).

7

Gelir ve gider nedir?

What is income and expense?

Using 'nedir' for definitions.

8

Bu ay gelir iyi.

This month income is good.

Simple time expression 'bu ay'.

1

Babamın geliri her ay aynı.

My father's income is the same every month.

Genitive-possessive construction (Babamın geliri).

2

Düşük gelirli aileler yardım alıyor.

Low-income families are receiving help.

Adjective phrase 'düşük gelirli' (with income).

3

Gelirimizi dikkatli harcamalıyız.

We must spend our income carefully.

Possessive + Accusative case (Gelir-imiz-i).

4

Onun sadece bir geliri var.

He has only one income.

Using 'var' for possession.

5

Yıllık geliriniz ne kadar?

How much is your annual income?

Formal 'your' (geliriniz).

6

Bu işten güzel gelir geliyor.

Good income is coming from this job.

Ablative case 'işten'.

7

Gelir belgesi istiyorlar.

They are asking for an income document.

Compound noun 'gelir belgesi'.

8

Ek gelir bulmak zor değil.

It is not hard to find extra income.

Compound noun 'ek gelir'.

1

Gelir vergisi oranları bu yıl arttı.

Income tax rates increased this year.

Noun compound 'gelir vergisi' as a subject.

2

Pasif gelir elde etmek için yatırım yapıyorum.

I am investing to obtain passive income.

Infinitive 'etmek' for purpose.

3

Gelir düzeyine göre vergi ödenir.

Tax is paid according to income level.

Postposition 'göre' (according to).

4

Şirketin geliri giderinden fazla.

The company's income is more than its expenses.

Comparison using 'den fazla'.

5

Düzenli bir gelir sahibi olmak huzur verir.

Having a regular income gives peace.

Compound noun 'gelir sahibi'.

6

Gelir adaletsizliği büyük bir sorun.

Income inequality is a big problem.

Abstract noun compound.

7

Kira geliriyle geçiniyor.

He makes a living with rental income.

Instrumental case with '-le' (geliriyle).

8

Toplam geliri hesaplamamız lazım.

We need to calculate the total income.

Possessive + Accusative.

1

Kişi başına düşen milli gelir yükseliyor.

National income per capita is rising.

Complex economic phrase.

2

Gelir dağılımındaki dengesizlik giderilmeli.

The imbalance in income distribution should be eliminated.

Passive voice 'giderilmeli'.

3

Reklam gelirleri bu çeyrekte düştü.

Advertising revenues fell in this quarter.

Plural noun 'gelirleri'.

4

Gelir tablosu şirketin mali durumunu gösterir.

The income statement shows the company's financial status.

Formal present tense.

5

Sabit bir gelire sahip olmak avantajlıdır.

Having a fixed income is advantageous.

Dative case 'gelire'.

6

Gelir kaybını telafi etmek için çalışıyorlar.

They are working to compensate for the loss of income.

Noun compound 'gelir kaybı'.

7

Devletin vergi gelirleri azaldı.

The state's tax revenues decreased.

Double genitive-possessive construction.

8

Yüksek gelir grubuna yönelik yeni vergiler var.

There are new taxes aimed at the high-income group.

Directional postposition 'yönelik'.

1

Gelirlerindeki artış, yaşam standardını değiştirdi.

The increase in their income changed their standard of living.

Plural possessive + locative.

2

Sürdürülebilir bir gelir modeli oluşturmalıyız.

We must create a sustainable income model.

Adjective 'sürdürülebilir'.

3

Gelir kalemlerini tek tek incelediler.

They examined the income items one by one.

Accounting term 'gelir kalemi'.

4

Gayrimenkul geliri, en güvenli yatırım aracıdır.

Real estate income is the safest investment tool.

Compound noun 'gayrimenkul geliri'.

5

Gelir tespiti yapılırken tüm kaynaklar sayılmalı.

All sources should be counted when determining income.

Temporal adverbial '-ken'.

6

Şirket, döviz bazlı gelirlerini artırmayı hedefliyor.

The company aims to increase its foreign currency-based revenues.

Compound adjective 'döviz bazlı'.

7

Gelir transferi mekanizmaları yeniden düzenlendi.

Income transfer mechanisms have been reorganized.

Passive voice 'düzenlendi'.

8

Hanehalkı geliri, ekonomik büyümenin temelidir.

Household income is the basis of economic growth.

Compound noun 'hanehalkı geliri'.

1

Evrensel temel gelir kavramı üzerine tartışıyorlar.

They are debating the concept of universal basic income.

Complex philosophical term.

2

Gelir adaletsizliğinin sosyolojik etkileri derindir.

The sociological effects of income inequality are profound.

Genitive chain.

3

Maliye politikaları, gelir dağılımını optimize etmeli.

Fiscal policies should optimize income distribution.

Formal academic register.

4

Gelir akışındaki süreksizlik, iflasa yol açabilir.

Discontinuity in income flow can lead to bankruptcy.

Locative with '-ki' suffix.

5

Entelektüel sermaye, gelecekteki temel gelir kaynağıdır.

Intellectual capital is the primary source of income in the future.

Abstract noun phrase.

6

Gelirlerin konsolidasyonu, finansal raporlamayı kolaylaştırır.

Consolidation of revenues facilitates financial reporting.

Technical accounting terminology.

7

Marjinal gelir teorisi, üretim kararlarını etkiler.

The marginal revenue theory affects production decisions.

Scientific/Economic theory.

8

Gelir maksimizasyonu her zaman etik olmayabilir.

Income maximization may not always be ethical.

Possibility with '-ebilmek' and negation.

Common Collocations

Gelir vergisi
Milli gelir
Ek gelir
Gelir düzeyi
Pasif gelir
Gelir tablosu
Gelir adaletsizliği
Düzenli gelir
Gelir kaynağı
Kira geliri

Common Phrases

Gelir elde etmek

— To obtain or earn an income.

Bu yatırımdan gelir elde etmeyi umuyoruz.

Gelir-gider dengesi

— The balance between income and expenses.

Gelir-gider dengesini kurmak çok zorlaştı.

Geliri giderini karşılamamak

— When income is not enough to cover expenses.

Maalesef geliri giderini karşılamıyor, borçlanıyor.

Düşük gelirli

— Low-income (used as an adjective).

Düşük gelirli ailelere kömür yardımı yapıldı.

Gelir kapısı

— A source of income (literally 'income door').

Bu küçük dükkan bizim tek gelir kapımız.

Gelir testi

— Means test (checking income to qualify for aid).

Yeşil kart için gelir testi yaptırdı.

Net gelir

— Net income (after taxes).

Eline geçen net gelir ne kadar?

Brüt gelir

— Gross income (before taxes).

Sözleşmede yazan rakam brüt gelirdir.

Gelir beyanı

— Income declaration.

Vize başvurusu için gelir beyanı gerekiyor.

Gelir dağılımı

— Income distribution.

Gelir dağılımı her geçen gün bozuluyor.

Idioms & Expressions

"Gelir gelmez"

— As soon as he/she comes (verb use).

O gelir gelmez yemeğe başlayacağız.

Informal
"Geliri yerinde olmak"

— To have a good/stable income.

Onun geliri yerinde, parayı dert etmez.

Colloquial
"Gelirine bakmak"

— To look at/consider one's income.

Önce gelirine bak, sonra borca gir.

Neutral
"Yeni bir gelir kapısı açılmak"

— For a new opportunity for income to arise.

Emekli olunca ona yeni bir gelir kapısı açıldı.

Neutral
"Geliri kesilmek"

— For one's income to be cut off.

İşten çıkarılınca tüm geliri kesildi.

Neutral
"Geliri tıkırında"

— Income is flowing smoothly/well.

İşleri büyüttü, geliri tıkırında.

Slang/Informal
"Gelirine göre ayağını uzatmak"

— To live within one's means (variation of 'ayağını yorganına göre uzatmak').

Gelirine göre ayağını uzatmazsan sonun kötü olur.

Proverbial
"Geliri erimek"

— For the value of income to decrease (usually due to inflation).

Enflasyon karşısında memurun geliri eridi.

Journalistic
"Gelirinden olmak"

— To lose one's income.

Hata yapınca ek gelirinden oldu.

Neutral
"Gelire boğulmak"

— To be flooded with income (very high earnings).

Yeni buluşuyla gelire boğuldu.

Informal

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

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Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Gelir' as 'GEL-HERE'. Money is 'coming here' to your wallet. Gel = Come, Ir = Habitually.

Visual Association

Imagine a door labeled 'GEL' and money walking through it into your house. That is your 'gelir' (income).

Word Web

Para Banka İş Maaş Vergi Ekonomi Bütçe Gider

Challenge

Try to write down your 'gelir' and 'gider' list in Turkish for one week. Use 'gelirim' and 'giderim' as headers.

Word Origin

Derived from the Old Turkic root 'kel-' (to come). The suffix '-ir' is the aorist (habitual) marker used here to create a substantive noun.

Original meaning: That which habitually comes; an arrival.

Turkic
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