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A1 verb 11 min read

gezmek

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips gezmek in 30 Seconds

Explanation gezmek in your Level:

At the A1 level, you should learn 'gezmek' as 'to walk around' or 'to go out for fun.' You will mostly use it in the present continuous tense (geziyorum) to talk about what you are doing right now or in the simple present (gezerim) for hobbies. Focus on basic sentences like 'Parkta geziyorum' (I am walking in the park) or 'Biz geziyoruz' (We are wandering). It is important to know that 'gezmeye gitmek' means 'to go out for a stroll.' At this stage, don't worry too much about complex case endings; just focus on the core meaning of leisure and movement.

At the A2 level, you start using 'gezmek' in the past tense (gezdik) to describe your weekend or holidays. You should also learn the difference between 'gezmek' (to wander) and 'yürümek' (to walk). A2 learners should be able to use the accusative case with 'gezmek' to describe touring a specific place, like 'Müzeyi gezdik' (We toured the museum). You will also encounter the word 'gezgin' (traveler) and should be able to talk about your travel plans using the future tense 'gezeceğim'. Understanding the phrase 'gezip tozmak' (to hang out/have fun) is also useful for casual conversations.

At the B1 level, you should be comfortable with the causative form 'gezdirmek' (to show someone around or walk an animal). You can form sentences like 'Misafirlere şehri gezdirdim' (I showed the guests around the city). You also begin to use 'gezmek' in more abstract ways, such as 'göz gezdirmek' (to glance over/browse). B1 learners should understand the nuance between 'gezmek' and 'seyahat etmek' (formal travel). You will also start seeing 'gezmek' in more complex sentence structures, including conditional and reported speech forms (gezerse, gezecekmiş).

At the B2 level, you should master the idiomatic uses of 'gezmek'. Phrases like 'tozunu attırmak' (to travel extensively) or 'ayaklarına kara sular inene kadar gezmek' (to walk until one's feet are exhausted) should be part of your vocabulary. You can use 'gezmek' to discuss cultural habits, tourism trends, and personal philosophies of travel. You should also be able to distinguish between 'gezmek' and 'dolaşmak' in various contexts, understanding that 'dolaşmak' might imply a more aimless or circulatory movement. Your grammar should include passive forms like 'gezilip görülmesi gereken yerler' (places that must be visited and seen).

At the C1 level, 'gezmek' is used in literary and sophisticated ways. You might encounter it in discussions about 'flâneur' culture or the philosophical implications of wandering. You should be able to analyze how 'gezmek' appears in Turkish literature, such as in the works of famous travelers like Evliya Çelebi. C1 learners should use the verb to describe complex mental states, like 'zihnimde gezinen düşünceler' (thoughts wandering in my mind). You should also be familiar with the historical and etymological roots of the word and how they relate to the nomadic heritage of the Turkish people.

At the C2 level, you have a complete grasp of 'gezmek' in all its registers, from slang to highly formal academic prose. You can use it to explain socio-political shifts in urban space usage or to critique travel literature. You understand the most obscure idioms and can use the verb with perfect precision in any context. For a C2 speaker, 'gezmek' is not just a verb but a conceptual tool to describe the movement of people, ideas, and capital. You can engage in deep debates about the 'traveling' nature of the Turkish language itself and its ability to absorb and adapt words from other cultures as it 'wandered' through history.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

gezmek in 30 Seconds

A versatile verb meaning to travel, stroll, or tour for pleasure.
Used for everything from walking the dog to backpacking across continents.
Crucial distinction from 'yürümek' (mechanical walking) and 'ziyaret etmek' (visiting people).
Often paired with 'tozmak' in the idiom 'gezip tozmak' (to have fun out and about).

The Turkish verb gezmek is one of the most versatile and culturally significant words in the Turkish language. At its core, it translates to 'to travel,' 'to wander,' 'to stroll,' or 'to tour.' However, its usage goes far beyond simple movement from point A to point B. In Turkish culture, gezmek represents a lifestyle of exploration, socialization, and leisure. Whether you are walking through a shopping mall, backpacking across Europe, or simply taking a breath of fresh air in a local park, you are 'geziyorsun' (you are wandering/traveling). This verb encapsulates the joy of movement without a strictly utilitarian purpose, emphasizing the experience of the journey itself rather than the destination.

Leisurely Strolling: When you go for a walk in the evening to clear your head or enjoy the weather, this is 'gezmek'. It implies a lack of rush and an openness to one's surroundings.
Tourism and Travel: If you visit a new city or country to see the sights, museums, and historical landmarks, you use 'gezmek'. It covers everything from a day trip to a year-long world tour.
Socializing and Hanging Out: Often used in the context of 'going out' with friends. If someone asks 'Dışarıda ne yapıyorsun?' (What are you doing outside?), a common reply is 'Geziniyoruz' (We are just hanging out/wandering around).

Boş zamanlarımda şehri gezmekten çok hoşlanırım.

Translation: I really enjoy wandering around the city in my free time.

The word is deeply rooted in the nomadic history of Turkic peoples. Historically, moving across vast landscapes was not just a necessity but a way of life. Today, this translates into a modern Turkish person's love for being 'on the move.' You will hear it in casual conversations ('Hadi biraz gezelim' - Let's walk around a bit) and in formal contexts regarding tourism sectors ('Gezilecek yerler' - Places to visit). It is also used metaphorically to describe a mind that wanders or a person who cannot stay in one place for long. Understanding gezmek is essential for anyone wanting to grasp the Turkish social fabric, where 'gezip tozmak' (wandering and kicking up dust) is a celebrated pastime.

Bütün gün mağazaları gezdik ama hiçbir şey almadık.

Translation: We browsed (wandered through) the shops all day but didn't buy anything.

Furthermore, the verb can take various suffixes to change its nuance. 'Gezinmek' implies a more aimless, reflexive wandering, like pacing in a room or strolling slowly in a garden. 'Gezdirmek' is the causative form, meaning 'to show someone around' or 'to take someone/something for a walk' (like a dog). This flexibility makes it a foundational verb for A1 learners, yet its idiomatic richness provides endless material for advanced students. Whether you are discussing the 'Evliya Çelebi' (the famous Ottoman traveler) or just planning a weekend getaway to the Bosphorus, gezmek will be your primary linguistic tool.

Dünyayı gezmek en büyük hayalim.

Translation: Traveling the world is my biggest dream.

The 'Tozmak' Pairing: You will often hear 'gezip tozmak'. 'Tozmak' literally means to turn into dust or kick up dust. Together, they mean to go out, have fun, and enjoy life without worries.
Mental Wandering: A person's eyes or mind can also 'gezmek'. For instance, 'Gözleri odada gezdi' means 'His/her eyes wandered around the room'.

Using gezmek correctly involves understanding its grammatical relationship with objects and places. In Turkish, the place you are wandering *in* or *through* is often indicated by the locative case (-de/-da) or the accusative case (-i/-ı/-u/-ü), depending on the focus. If you are emphasizing the area you are covering, you use the accusative. If you are simply stating the location where the walking occurs, you use the locative. This subtle distinction is key to sounding natural.

Avrupa'yı gezdik.

Translation: We traveled through Europe (Accusative: Focus on the whole region).

When you want to say 'Let's go for a walk,' you often use the dative case with the verb 'gitmek' (to go). The phrase 'gezmeye gitmek' is the standard way to express the intention of going out for leisure. For example, 'Hafta sonu gezmeye gidelim mi?' (Shall we go out wandering/for a trip this weekend?). This structure is extremely common in daily life when planning social activities.

Transitive Usage (Direct Object): Müzeyi gezdik (We toured the museum). Here, the museum is the direct object receiving the action of touring.
Intransitive Usage (General Action): Dışarıda geziyorum (I am wandering outside). Here, the focus is on the act of wandering itself within a general space.

Babam her sabah parkta gezer.

Translation: My father strolls in the park every morning.

Another important grammatical aspect is the use of the causative form gezdirmek. This is used when you are the one making someone or something else 'wander.' The most common example is walking a dog: 'Köpeği gezdirmek.' It is also used when showing a guest around your city: 'Sana İstanbul'u gezdireceğim' (I will show you around Istanbul). This form requires the person or thing being shown around to be in the accusative case.

Tur rehberi bizi antik kentte gezdirdi.

Translation: The tour guide showed us around the ancient city.

Finally, consider the negative and potential forms. 'Gezemem' (I cannot wander/travel) might be used if someone is too busy or physically unable. 'Gezmeyeceğiz' (We will not travel) indicates a plan. The richness of Turkish verb conjugation allows gezmek to adapt to hundreds of specific situational meanings, making it a powerful tool for any speaker.

In Turkey, gezmek is ubiquitous. You will hear it in the bustling streets of Istanbul, in quiet Anatolian villages, and in every Turkish television drama. It is a word that signals connection and freedom. On a typical weekend, you might hear a teenager saying to a friend, 'Hadi gel, biraz gezelim' (Come on, let's wander a bit), which usually means walking around the neighborhood or going to a mall. It is the default verb for any activity that involves leaving the house for pleasure.

Çok gezen mi bilir, çok okuyan mı?

Translation: Who knows more, the one who travels much or the one who reads much? (A famous Turkish proverb).

In the workplace, colleagues might ask about your vacation using this word: 'Tatilde nereleri gezdin?' (Where did you travel/tour during your holiday?). In this context, it isn't just asking about the destination, but about the specific sights you saw and the experiences you had. It implies an active exploration rather than just sitting at a beach resort.

In Shopping Malls: 'Mağaza gezmek' is the Turkish equivalent of window shopping or browsing. You'll see families 'geziyor' in malls especially on Sundays.
In Real Estate: When looking for a house, the agent will say 'Evi gezelim mi?' (Shall we tour the house?). It means to walk through the rooms and inspect the property.

Bu yaz Ege kıyılarını gezmek istiyoruz.

Translation: We want to tour the Aegean coasts this summer.

You will also encounter gezmek in social media captions. A photo of a beautiful landscape is often accompanied by the hashtag #geziyoruz or #gezmeler, signaling that the person is out enjoying the world. It carries a connotation of envy-inducing fun. Parents also use it with children: 'Eğer ödevini bitirirsen seni parka gezmeye götüreceğim' (If you finish your homework, I'll take you to the park for a stroll).

Finally, the word appears in many songs and poems, often representing the free spirit or the search for a lost love. 'Sokak sokak gezdim seni aradım' (I wandered street by street looking for you) is a classic romantic trope. Whether in the most mundane daily chores or the heights of poetic expression, gezmek remains a cornerstone of Turkish communication.

For English speakers, the primary challenge with gezmek is distinguishing it from other verbs of movement or visiting. Because 'gezmek' can mean 'to travel,' 'to walk,' 'to tour,' and 'to hang out,' learners often over-apply it or use the wrong case markings. One of the most frequent errors is using 'gezmek' when you actually mean 'to visit a person' (ziyaret etmek) or 'to go to a place' (gitmek).

Mistaking 'Gezmek' for 'Ziyaret Etmek': If you say 'Anneannemi gezdim,' it sounds like you walked all over your grandmother! You should say 'Anneannemi ziyaret ettim' (I visited my grandmother) or 'Anneanneme gittim' (I went to my grandmother's).
Confusing 'Gezmek' with 'Yürümek': 'Yürümek' is the physical act of walking (stepping). 'Gezmek' is the purpose (leisure). If you are walking to work because your car broke down, use 'yürümek'. If you are walking in the park for fun, use 'gezmek'.

Yanlış: İşe geziyorum.
Doğru: İşe yürüyorum.

Correction: You don't 'gezmek' to work; you 'yürümek' (walk) to work.

Case marking errors are also common. Learners often forget that when 'gezmek' is used in the sense of 'touring a specific place,' that place needs the accusative case suffix. Saying 'İstanbul gezdim' is grammatically incomplete; it must be 'İstanbul'u gezdim.' This indicates that you toured the entirety or the significant parts of Istanbul. Without the accusative, it sounds like 'Istanbul' is a category of thing you are wandering, which doesn't make sense.

Yanlış: Köpeği geziyorum.
Doğru: Köpeği gezdiriyorum.

Correction: You don't 'wander' the dog; you 'make the dog wander' (causative).

Another nuance is the difference between 'gezmek' and 'dolaşmak'. While often interchangeable, 'dolaşmak' can sometimes imply a more aimless or circular movement, like 'wandering around' in a confused state or 'circulating' (like blood). 'Gezmek' is generally more positive and leisure-oriented. Using 'dolaşmak' when you mean a planned tour might sound slightly off to a native ear, though it's rarely a major error.

While gezmek is the 'jack-of-all-trades' for travel and wandering, Turkish offers more specific verbs for different contexts. Choosing the right one can elevate your fluency from basic to advanced. Here is how gezmek compares to its closest relatives:

Seyahat Etmek vs. Gezmek: 'Seyahat etmek' is formal and specifically refers to the act of traveling from one city or country to another. You 'seyahat' to Ankara for business, but you 'gezmek' Ankara to see the castle. 'Seyahat' is the logistics; 'gezmek' is the fun.
Dolaşmak vs. Gezmek: 'Dolaşmak' means to roam or circulate. It is often used for shorter, more aimless walks. If you are lost in a forest, you are 'dolaşıyorsun'. If you are looking for a specific shop but can't find it, you 'dolanıyorsun'. 'Gezmek' implies more intent to enjoy the surroundings.
Tur Atmak vs. Gezmek: This is a colloquialism meaning 'to take a lap' or 'to do a quick round'. If you drive your car around the block once, you 'tur atıyorsun'. It's much shorter and more repetitive than 'gezmek'.

Dünyayı gezmek (To tour the world) vs. Dünyayı dolaşmak (To roam the world).

Note: 'Dolaşmak' here can sound more adventurous or epic, while 'gezmek' sounds like a tourist activity.

For more academic or literary contexts, you might encounter 'seyyah' (traveler - old fashioned) or 'gezgin' (traveler/backpacker - modern). These nouns are derived from the roots of travel. Another alternative is 'ziyaret etmek' (to visit), which is essential when the focus is on a person or a specific holy site rather than the act of wandering through it. For example, 'Anıtkabir'i ziyaret ettik' (We visited Ataturk's Mausoleum) sounds more respectful than 'Anıtkabir'i gezdik,' though both are used.

In summary, while gezmek is your most useful and common verb, don't be afraid to use 'dolaşmak' for aimless roaming, 'seyahat etmek' for formal trips, or 'gezdirilmek' when you are being given a guided tour. Mastering these distinctions will make your Turkish sound much more nuanced and expressive.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

"Heyetimiz yarın fabrikayı gezecek."

Neutral

"Hafta sonu İstanbul'u gezdik."

Informal

"Hadi gezelim biraz."

Child friendly

"Parkta gezelim mi tatlım?"

Slang

"Bütün gün piyasa yaptık (gezdik)."

Fun Fact

The modern Turkish word for 'planet', which is 'gezegen', actually comes from the same root 'gezmek' because planets are 'wanderers' in the sky.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ɡezˈmek/

US /ɡɛzˈmɛk/

The stress is typically on the final syllable '-mek'.

Rhymes With

sezmek ezmek bezdirmek çizmek süzmek yüzmek dizmek üzmek

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'g' as a soft 'j'. It must be hard.
Making the 'e' sound too long like 'ay'. It should be short.
Muffling the 'z' sound.
Dropping the final 'k' sound.
Stress on the first syllable.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 1/5

Very easy to recognize in text due to its high frequency.

Writing 2/5

Requires understanding of case markings (accusative vs locative).

Speaking 2/5

Pronunciation is straightforward, but idiomatic usage takes practice.

Listening 1/5

Commonly heard in daily conversations and media.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

gitmek yürümek yer şehir sevmek

Learn Next

seyahat etmek dolaşmak ziyaret etmek tatil manzara

Advanced

seyyah flanör keşif güzergah konaklamak

Grammar to Know

Causative Suffix (-dir/-tir)

Gezmek -> Gezdirmek (to make someone wander/show around).

Reflexive Suffix (-in)

Gezmek -> Gezinmek (to wander aimlessly/browse).

Accusative Case for Specific Objects

İstanbul'u gezmek.

Locative Case for General Locations

Parkta gezmek.

Adverbial Suffix (-erek/arak)

Gezerek öğrenmek (Learning by traveling).

Examples by Level

Bugün parkta geziyorum.

I am wandering in the park today.

Present continuous tense.

Biz her hafta sonu gezeriz.

We wander every weekend.

Simple present tense for habits.

Sen gezmeyi seviyor musun?

Do you like wandering/traveling?

Interrogative form with 'sevmek'.

O şimdi çarşıda geziyor.

He/she is wandering in the bazaar now.

Locative case (çarşıda).

Hadi gezelim!

Let's wander/walk around!

Optative mood (first person plural).

Gezmek çok eğlenceli.

Wandering/traveling is very fun.

Infinitive used as a noun.

Annemle alışveriş merkezinde gezdik.

We wandered in the mall with my mother.

Past tense.

Dışarıda gezmek istiyorum.

I want to wander outside.

Infinitive with 'istemek'.

Geçen yaz İzmir'i gezdik.

We toured Izmir last summer.

Accusative case (İzmir'i).

Yarın müzeyi gezeceğiz.

We will tour the museum tomorrow.

Future tense.

Bu şehirde gezilecek çok yer var.

There are many places to visit in this city.

Future participle (gezilecek) as an adjective.

O, dünyayı gezmek istiyor.

He/she wants to travel the world.

Accusative case (dünyayı).

Dün bütün gün gezip tozduk.

We hung out and had fun all day yesterday.

Idiomatic pairing 'gezip tozmak'.

Rehber bize sarayı gezdirdi.

The guide showed us around the palace.

Causative form (gezdirdi).

Sokaklarda boş boş gezme.

Don't wander aimlessly in the streets.

Negative imperative.

Yeni ayakkabılarımla biraz gezdim.

I walked around a bit with my new shoes.

Instrumental case (ayakkabılarımla).

Eğer vaktim olursa Avrupa'yı gezeceğim.

If I have time, I will travel through Europe.

Conditional first type.

Köpeğimi her akşam parkta gezdiririm.

I walk my dog in the park every evening.

Causative form (gezdiririm).

Bu kitabı sadece şöyle bir göz gezdirdim.

I just glanced over this book.

Idiom 'göz gezdirmek'.

Onun çok gezdiğini biliyorum.

I know that he/she travels a lot.

Object clause with '-diğini'.

Buraları gezmekten asla bıkmam.

I never get tired of wandering around here.

Ablative case (gezmekten) with 'bıkmak'.

Gezdiğimiz yerler çok etkileyiciydi.

The places we visited were very impressive.

Relative clause with '-diğimiz'.

Arkadaşım beni bütün gün gezdirdi.

My friend showed me around all day.

Causative form with direct object.

Seninle gezmek büyük bir keyif.

Wandering with you is a great pleasure.

Infinitive as subject.

Ayaklarıma kara sular inene kadar gezdim.

I walked until my feet were exhausted.

Idiom for extreme tiredness from walking.

Bu yaz Ege kıyılarını karış karış gezeceğiz.

We will tour the Aegean coasts inch by inch this summer.

Idiom 'karış karış' (inch by inch).

Gezilip görülmesi gereken çok yer var.

There are many places that must be visited and seen.

Passive participles.

Onun aklı hep gezmekte.

His/her mind is always on traveling.

Locative infinitive (gezmekte).

Bütün dükkanları gezdim ama aradığımı bulamadım.

I went through all the shops but couldn't find what I was looking for.

Conjunction 'ama' with past tense.

Şehirde gezerken eski bir arkadaşıma rastladım.

While wandering in the city, I ran into an old friend.

Adverbial clause with '-erken'.

Gezginler için en önemli şey yeni kültürler tanımaktır.

The most important thing for travelers is to get to know new cultures.

Noun 'gezgin' (traveler).

Bu sergiyi mutlaka gezmelisiniz.

You must definitely tour/visit this exhibition.

Necessitative mood (-meli).

Evliya Çelebi, ömrünü dünyayı gezmeye adamış bir seyyah idi.

Evliya Celebi was a traveler who dedicated his life to traveling the world.

Historical context and perfective participle.

Zihnimde gezinen hatıralar beni eskilere götürdü.

The memories wandering in my mind took me back to old times.

Metaphorical usage.

Şehrin arka sokaklarında gezerken hüzünlü bir hava seziliyor.

While wandering the backstreets of the city, a melancholy atmosphere is sensed.

Passive voice and adverbial clause.

Gezmek, sadece yer değiştirmek değil, aynı zamanda bir iç yolculuktur.

Traveling is not just changing places, but also an internal journey.

Philosophical usage.

Yazarın gözleri odadaki eşyalar üzerinde ağır ağır gezdi.

The author's eyes slowly wandered over the objects in the room.

Descriptive literary usage.

Gezip gördüğü yerleri bir günlükte toplamış.

He/she collected the places visited and seen in a diary.

Compound participle 'gezip gördüğü'.

Siyasetçinin sözleri halk arasında tepkiyle geziniyor.

The politician's words are circulating with reaction among the public.

Reflexive form 'gezinmek' for rumors/words.

Bu ıssız adada gezmek cesaret ister.

Wandering on this deserted island requires courage.

Infinitive as subject.

Modern flanör, kentin labirentimsi sokaklarında amaçsızca gezerek varoluşunu sorgular.

The modern flâneur questions their existence by wandering aimlessly in the labyrinthine streets of the city.

Academic/Philosophical register.

Kelimeler dimağımda özgürce geziniyor, kağıda dökülmeyi bekliyor.

Words are wandering freely in my mind, waiting to be poured onto paper.

Highly poetic usage.

Gezginin ruhu, sınırların ötesinde bir vatan arayışıdır.

The soul of the traveler is a search for a homeland beyond borders.

Abstract noun phrase.

Sermayenin küresel ölçekte serbestçe gezmesi ekonomileri derinden etkiliyor.

The free movement (wandering) of capital on a global scale deeply affects economies.

Economic/Formal register.

Gezip tozmanın ötesinde, bu seyahatin antropolojik bir amacı vardı.

Beyond just hanging out, this trip had an anthropological purpose.

Contrasting colloquial and formal terms.

Şehrin dokusunda gezinen her gölge, geçmişin bir fısıltısını taşır.

Every shadow wandering in the fabric of the city carries a whisper of the past.

Metaphorical/Literary register.

Gezmek eylemi, insan doğasındaki keşfetme arzusunun en somut tezahürüdür.

The act of wandering is the most concrete manifestation of the desire to explore in human nature.

Formal philosophical statement.

Düşüncelerimin en kuytu köşelerinde gezinen o korku, beni harekete geçirdi.

That fear wandering in the most secluded corners of my thoughts spurred me into action.

Psychological depth.

Common Collocations

dünyayı gezmek

köpeği gezdirmek

müzeyi gezmek

mağaza gezmek

gezip tozmak

göz gezdirmek

gezilecek yerler

boş boş gezmek

el ele gezmek

ev gezmesi

Common Phrases

Gezmeye gidelim mi?

— Shall we go out for a stroll/trip?

Hava çok güzel, gezmeye gidelim mi?

Nereleri gezdin?

— Where did you visit/tour?

Tatilin nasıl geçti? Nereleri gezdin?

Gezip göreceğiz.

— We will see (literally: travel and see).

Yeni şehir nasılmış, gezip göreceğiz.

Çok gezen çok bilir.

— The one who travels much knows much.

Kitap okumak yetmez, çok gezen çok bilir.

Gezmelerdeyiz.

— We are out and about.

Bugün biz gezmelerdeyiz, aramayın.

Göz gezdirmek

— To browse or glance over quickly.

Raporlara bir göz gezdirmem lazım.

Tozunu attırmak

— To travel extensively or conquer a place.

Bu yaz Avrupa'nın tozunu attırdık.

Gezip durmak

— To keep wandering/pacing.

Neden odada gezip duruyorsun?

Gezgin ruhlu

— Having a traveler's spirit.

O çok gezgin ruhlu bir insan.

Gezmeye çıkmak

— To go out for a walk/excursion.

Akşamüstü gezmeye çıkacağız.

Often Confused With

gezmek vs yürümek

Yürümek is the physical movement; gezmek is the recreational purpose.

gezmek vs ziyaret etmek

Ziyaret etmek is for visiting people or specific institutions; gezmek is for exploration.

gezmek vs dolaşmak

Dolaşmak is more aimless or circulatory; gezmek is more leisure-oriented.

Idioms & Expressions

"Ayaklarına kara sular inmek"

— To be extremely tired from walking too much.

Bütün gün çarşıyı gezdik, ayaklarımıza kara sular indi.

Informal

"Gezip tozmak"

— To wander and enjoy oneself, often without a plan.

Sınavlardan sonra bol bol gezip tozacağız.

Informal

"Göz gezdirmek"

— To look at something briefly or skim through.

Dergiye bir göz gezdirdim ama okumadım.

Neutral

"Dünyanın tozunu attırmak"

— To travel all over the world.

Emekli olunca dünyanın tozunu attıracağım.

Informal

"Dili bir karış dışarıda gezmek"

— To be very tired or out of breath (usually from running or walking).

Sıcakta gezmekten dili bir karış dışarıda geziyordu.

Informal

"Başını alıp gezmek"

— To go away aimlessly, usually to escape problems.

Bazen her şeyi bırakıp başımı alıp gezmek istiyorum.

Neutral

"Karı karış gezmek"

— To explore every single inch of a place.

Roma'yı karış karış gezdik.

Neutral

"Sokak sokak gezmek"

— To wander through every street (often looking for something).

Kayıp kediyi bulmak için sokak sokak gezdik.

Neutral

"Kapı kapı gezmek"

— To go from door to door (often for selling or asking for something).

Yardım toplamak için kapı kapı gezdiler.

Neutral

"Gezginin heybesi boş olmaz"

— A traveler always has stories or knowledge (metaphorical).

Anlatacak çok şeyi var, gezginin heybesi boş olmaz.

Literary

Easily Confused

gezmek vs yürümek

Both involve walking.

Yürümek is the act of putting one foot in front of the other. Gezmek is the act of enjoying a place through movement.

İşe yürürüm ama parkta gezerim.

gezmek vs ziyaret etmek

Both can translate to 'visit' in English.

Ziyaret etmek is for people or specific formal visits. Gezmek is for touring a space.

Halamı ziyaret ettim, şehri gezdim.

gezmek vs seyahat etmek

Both mean 'to travel'.

Seyahat etmek is formal and focuses on the journey/logistics. Gezmek is informal and focuses on the activity at the destination.

Uçakla seyahat ettik, Roma'yı gezdik.

gezmek vs dolaşmak

Both mean wandering.

Dolaşmak can imply being lost or moving in circles. Gezmek implies a pleasant tour.

Ormanda dolaştık (roamed/wandered), sarayı gezdik (toured).

gezmek vs gezinmek

It is a form of gezmek.

Gezinmek is more reflexive and often implies shorter, more aimless or digital movement (browsing).

Bahçede geziniyorum.

Sentence Patterns

[Place]-de/da geziyorum.

Parkta geziyorum.

[Place]-i/ı/u/ü gezdik.

Müzeyi gezdik.

[Object]-i/ı/u/ü gezdiriyorum.

Köpeği gezdiriyorum.

Gezilecek çok yer var.

Burada gezilecek çok yer var.

Gezip gördüğüm yerler...

Gezip gördüğüm yerler harikaydı.

[Abstract Concept]-de gezmek.

Düşüncelerimde geziniyorum.

Gezmeye gidelim.

Hadi gezmeye gidelim.

Göz gezdirmek.

Gazeteye göz gezdirdim.

Word Family

Nouns

gezi trip/tour

gezgin traveler

gezinti stroll/excursion

gezeğen planet (archaic/etymological connection)

Verbs

gezdirmek to show around/to walk someone

gezinmek to wander/browse

gezilmek to be toured/visited

Adjectives

gezgin wandering

gezer mobile/walking

How to Use It

frequency

Extremely high in daily Turkish.

Common Mistakes

Arkadaşımı gezdim. → Arkadaşımı ziyaret ettim.
You visit people with 'ziyaret etmek', not 'gezmek'.
İşe geziyorum. → İşe yürüyorum.
You walk to work (destination) with 'yürümek'.
İstanbul gezdim. → İstanbul'u gezdim.
Specific places need the accusative case suffix.
Köpeği geziyorum. → Köpeği gezdiriyorum.
You walk a dog using the causative 'gezdirmek'.
Hastanede gezdim. → Hastaneye gittim.
If you went to the hospital for a reason, use 'gitmek'. 'Gezmek' sounds like you toured it for fun.

Tips

Case Sensitivity

Always use the accusative case when you are touring a specific landmark. 'Efes'i gezdik' (We toured Ephesus).

Social Gezme

Remember that 'ev gezmesi' is a social visit to a neighbor's house, even if you don't move around much once inside.

Gezmek vs Yürümek

If you are walking for exercise or to reach a destination, use 'yürümek'. If you are walking for pleasure, use 'gezmek'.

Gezip Tozmak

Use this phrase when talking about your youth or a fun holiday with friends.

Showing Around

Use 'gezdirmek' when you are the host showing a guest your city.

Web Browsing

Use 'internette gezinmek' for surfing the web.

The Gazer

Think of a 'gazer' who walks around looking at things to remember 'gezmek'.

Gezilecek Yerler

Look for this phrase in travel guides to find 'places to visit'.

Reflexive Gezinmek

Use 'gezinmek' for aimless pacing or strolling in a confined area like a garden.

Planet Root

Remember that 'gezegen' (planet) comes from 'gezmek' because planets wander the sky.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a 'Gazer' (someone who gazes). When you 'gezmek', you are a 'gazer' who walks around to look at things.

Visual Association

Imagine a person with a backpack walking through a colorful bazaar, looking at everything with curiosity.

Word Web

seyahat tatil yol park müze arkadaş eğlence yürümek

Challenge

Try to use 'gezmek' in three different sentences today: one about your past travels, one about your plans for the weekend, and one about walking a pet.

Word Origin

The word 'gezmek' originates from the Old Turkic root 'kez-', which meant to wander or to travel. It is a native Turkic word that has been in use for over a millennium.

Original meaning: To move from place to place, to wander across the landscape.

Turkic

Cultural Context

No specific sensitivities, but avoid using 'gezmek' for religious pilgrimages (use 'Hacca gitmek' or 'ziyaret etmek' instead).

While English speakers use 'visit' for people and places, Turkish speakers use 'gezmek' for the act of exploration and 'ziyaret etmek' for formal visits.

Evliya Çelebi's 'Seyahatname' (Book of Travels) The proverb 'Çok gezen mi bilir, çok okuyan mı?' Barış Manço's travel show '7'den 77'ye'

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Tourism

Rehber eşliğinde gezmek
Şehir turu
Gezilecek yerler
Müze kartı

Socializing

Dışarı çıkıp gezmek
Arkadaşlarla gezmek
Gezip tozmak
Akşam gezmesi

Shopping

Mağaza gezmek
Çarşı pazar gezmek
Vitrin gezmek
Alışveriş merkezini gezmek

Real Estate

Evi gezmek
Odayı gezmek
Bahçeyi gezdirmek
Emlakçıyla gezmek

Pets

Köpeği gezdirmek
Tasmasız gezdirmek
Parkta gezdirmek
Dışarı çıkarmak

Conversation Starters

"En son nereyi gezdin?"

"Hayalindeki gezmek istediğin ülke neresi?"

"Yalnız gezmeyi mi seversin yoksa arkadaşlarınla mı?"

"Bu hafta sonu gezmeye gidelim mi?"

"Şehrinde turistlere nereleri gezdirirsin?"

Journal Prompts

Geçen yaz gezdiğin yerleri ve orada neler hissettiğini anlat.

Dünyayı gezmek için bir plan yap. Hangi ülkelere giderdin?

Gezmek mi daha öğreticidir yoksa okumak mı? Neden?

Kendi şehrinde en sevdiğin gezme rotasını tarif et.

Hiç bilmediğin bir şehirde kaybolup gezdiğini hayal et.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, that's a common mistake. Use 'ziyaret etmek' or 'gitmek' for people. 'Gezmek' is for places and spaces.

'Seyahat etmek' is formal travel (going from A to B). 'Gezmek' is what you do for fun once you are there, or for shorter strolls.

Use the causative form: 'Köpeği gezdirmek'.

Not necessarily. You can 'gezmek' by car (arabayla gezmek) or even by boat. It's about the act of touring/exploring.

It's a common idiom meaning to go out, have fun, and enjoy life without specific worries.

Yes, 'internette gezinmek' means to browse the internet.

It takes the accusative case (-i) for a specific place being toured, and the locative case (-de) for a general area where the wandering happens.

Yes, 'mağaza gezmek' means to browse shops or window shop.

Yes, it follows the standard Turkish verb conjugation rules.

A 'gezgin' is a traveler or a person who loves to explore new places.