yükümlü in 30 Seconds
- Means 'legally bound' or 'obligated.'
- Derived from 'yük' (load/burden).
- Used in legal, tax, and military contexts.
- Commonly follows the pattern '[Action]-la yükümlü olmak.'
The Turkish word yükümlü is a powerful adjective that sits at the intersection of law, ethics, and social duty. At its core, it describes a state of being legally bound, obligated, or liable to perform a specific action or to adhere to a particular set of rules. Derived from the root yük, which literally means 'load' or 'burden,' the suffix -üm creates a noun form related to the act of carrying, and the final suffix -lü transforms it into an adjective meaning 'possessing the burden.' Therefore, etymologically, a person who is yükümlü is someone 'carrying the burden' of a duty.
- Legal Context
- In the Turkish legal system, this word is ubiquitous. It refers to individuals or entities who have a statutory duty. For instance, a 'vergi yükümlüsü' is a taxpayer—someone the law mandates must pay taxes. It implies a non-negotiable requirement enforced by the state.
- Social and Moral Duty
- Beyond the courtroom, yükümlü is used to describe moral obligations. If you are 'yükümlü' to your family, it suggests a profound, often inescapable responsibility that defines your role within that structure.
Her vatandaş, vatan hizmetiyle yükümlüdür.
When you encounter this word, think of it as a step above sorumlu (responsible). While you might be responsible for cleaning your room, you are yükümlü to pay your debts or serve in the military. It carries the weight of authority. In modern Turkish society, the word is frequently heard in news reports regarding new regulations, tax seasons, and military conscription notices. It is a formal word, but one that every intermediate learner must master to navigate official documents or serious conversations about rights and duties.
Şirketler, iş güvenliğini sağlamakla yükümlüdür.
The word also appears in international relations and treaty language. When Turkey signs a protocol, the government becomes yükümlü to implement those changes. It is a word that defines the boundaries of freedom by highlighting where one's duties begin. Understanding yükümlü is essential for understanding the Turkish concept of 'ödev' (duty) and 'hak' (right).
- Grammar Note
- It is almost always used with the instrumental case marker '-la/-le' (meaning 'with') or the dative case '-e/-a' depending on the verb it follows, though as a standalone adjective, it usually follows the pattern '[Something]-la yükümlü olmak' (To be obligated with/to do something).
Using yükümlü correctly requires understanding its collocations. It is rarely a standalone adjective like 'happy' or 'blue'; it almost always needs a context—what are you obligated to do? The most common structure is: [Verb/Noun] + -la/-le yükümlü olmak.
Sözleşmeye göre, kiracı aidatı ödemekle yükümlüdür.
Notice how 'ödemekle' (with paying) precedes 'yükümlüdür.' This is the standard formal construction. In academic or legal writing, you might see it paired with specific nouns to create compound terms.
- The Passive Obligation
- Sometimes, the word acts as a noun referring to the person. 'Yükümlüler listesi' means 'the list of obligated persons' (often used for those drafted for military service).
In business Turkish, yükümlü is used to define the scope of work. If a job description says you are 'raporlamakla yükümlü,' it means reporting is a core, mandatory part of your job, not just a side task. It implies accountability.
Yeni yasaya göre, tüm araç sahipleri sigorta yaptırmakla yükümlü kılındı.
The phrase 'yükümlü kılınmak' (to be made obligated) is a common passive construction in legal texts. It indicates that an external authority (the law, a judge, a boss) has imposed the duty upon someone.
- Daily Conversational Use
- While formal, you can use it in daily life to sound more emphatic. 'Sana cevap vermekle yükümlü değilim!' (I am not obligated to answer you!) is a sharp way to set a boundary.
You will encounter yükümlü in several specific environments in Turkey. Understanding these contexts will help you grasp the 'vibe' of the word, which is serious, authoritative, and binding.
- 1. The Tax Office (Vergi Dairesi)
- The most frequent use is 'vergi yükümlüsü.' If you open a business in Turkey, you are a taxpayer. You will see this on every document, from your tax plate (vergi levhası) to official correspondence from the Ministry of Finance.
- 2. Military Service (Askerlik)
- In Turkey, military service is mandatory for male citizens. The term 'yükümlü' is used to describe those who are currently eligible or serving their term. You'll hear it in news reports about 'bedelli askerlik' (paid military service) or recruitment cycles.
You will also hear it in the news during discussions about international treaties. For example, 'Türkiye, Paris İklim Anlaşması ile karbon salınımını azaltmakla yükümlüdür' (Turkey is obligated to reduce carbon emissions by the Paris Climate Agreement). Here, it conveys the weight of international law.
Bankalar, şüpheli işlemleri bildirmekle yükümlüdür.
In the corporate world, HR departments use it in contracts. 'Çalışan, gizlilik kurallarına uymakla yükümlüdür' (The employee is obligated to comply with confidentiality rules). It establishes the legal grounds for termination if the duty is not met. It is also common in academic discourse, particularly in ethics and political science, when discussing the 'social contract.'
Learning a language involves navigating subtle differences between similar words. For yükümlü, the most common errors involve confusing it with its synonyms or using the wrong grammatical case.
- Mistake 1: Yükümlü vs. Sorumlu
- 'Sorumlu' means responsible. You can be responsible for a mistake you made. 'Yükümlü' means you have a pre-existing duty. You wouldn't say 'I am yükümlü for the broken window' unless it was your legal job to guard it. Use 'sorumlu' for accountability and 'yükümlü' for mandatory duties.
- Mistake 2: Yükümlü vs. Mecbur
- 'Mecbur' means forced or compelled, often by circumstances. 'I was mecbur to walk because there was no bus.' 'Yükümlü' is about a rule or law. You are 'yükümlü' to pay taxes, but you might be 'mecbur' to sell your car to pay them.
Another mistake is using yükümlü in very casual settings. If you tell a friend 'Bana yardım etmekle yükümlüsün' (You are obligated to help me), it sounds very cold and legalistic, as if you have a written contract. Use 'zorundasın' (you have to) or 'görevin' (it's your duty) for friends.
Yanlış: Vergi ödemeye yükümlüyüm. (Wrong case)
Doğru: Vergi ödemekle yükümlüyüm. (Correct case)
Finally, remember that 'yükümlü' is an adjective, but 'yükümlülük' is the noun (obligation). Learners often mix these up, saying 'My yükümlü is...' when they mean 'My yükümlülük (obligation) is...'
To truly master yükümlü, you should know the words that surround it in the semantic field of 'duty' and 'responsibility.'
- Mükellef
- This is an older, Arabic-rooted synonym. It is still used heavily in tax law ('vergi mükellefi'). While 'yükümlü' is the modern 'Öztürkçe' preference, 'mükellef' persists in formal bureaucracy and older literature. They are virtually interchangeable in a legal context.
- Borçlu
- Literally 'indebted.' While 'yükümlü' implies a duty to act, 'borçlu' usually implies a duty to pay or a moral debt. 'Vatana borçluyuz' (We are indebted to the homeland) has a more emotional tone than 'Vatana karşı yükümlüyüz.'
- Zorunlu
- This means 'mandatory' or 'compulsory.' It describes the action rather than the person. 'Zorunlu eğitim' (compulsory education) vs. 'Eğitimle yükümlü olanlar' (those obligated with education).
Karşılaştırma:
1. Sorumlu: Responsible (Accountability)
2. Yükümlü: Obligated (Legal Duty)
3. Mecbur: Forced (Circumstantial)
In a professional setting, you might also use 'vazifeli' (tasked/on duty) or 'görevli' (assigned). However, these imply you are currently performing a task, whereas yükümlü implies you are the one who *must* perform it, whether you are doing it right now or not.
How Formal Is It?
Fun Fact
The word was popularized during the 1930s language reforms to replace the Arabic word 'mükellef.' It perfectly captures the metaphor of duty being a 'load' on one's shoulders.
Pronunciation Guide
- Pronouncing 'ü' like 'u' (oo). It should be fronted.
- Putting stress on the first syllable.
- Merging the two 'ü' sounds into one.
- Mispronouncing the soft 'k' as a hard back 'k'.
- Confusing the 'y' with a 'j' sound.
Difficulty Rating
Common in news and signs, easy to recognize once you know 'yük'.
Requires correct case endings (-la/-le) on the preceding verb.
Pronouncing the 'ü' sounds correctly and using it in the right formal context takes practice.
Clearly articulated in formal announcements.
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
Instrumental Case (-la/-le)
Yapmak + la = Yapmakla yükümlü.
Substantive Adjectives
Yükümlüler (The obligated ones).
Passive Voice with 'Kılınmak'
Yükümlü kılındı (Was made obligated).
Dative Case with 'Karşı'
Devlete karşı yükümlü.
Compound Nouns
Vergi yükümlüsü (Taxpayer).
Examples by Level
Ben çalışmakla yükümlüyüm.
I am obligated to work.
Verb 'çalışmak' + 'la' + 'yükümlüyüm'.
O, gelmekle yükümlü mü?
Is he/she obligated to come?
Question form using 'mü'.
Biz kurallarla yükümlüyüz.
We are obligated by the rules.
Plural 'yükümlüyüz'.
Siz ödemekle yükümlüsünüz.
You are obligated to pay.
Formal 'you' with '-sünüz'.
Onlar gitmekle yükümlü.
They are obligated to go.
Third person plural.
Herkes yardım etmekle yükümlüdür.
Everyone is obligated to help.
General statement suffix '-dür'.
Bu çocuk okumakla yükümlü.
This child is obligated to study (go to school).
Simple subject-adjective.
Sen doğruyu söylemekle yükümlüsün.
You are obligated to tell the truth.
Moral obligation.
Misafirler sessiz olmakla yükümlüdür.
Guests are obligated to be quiet.
Noun + olmakle + yükümlüdür.
İşçiler kask takmakla yükümlü.
Workers are obligated to wear helmets.
Safety regulation.
Sürücüler kemer takmakla yükümlüdür.
Drivers are obligated to wear seatbelts.
Legal requirement.
Her öğrenci bir kitap okumakla yükümlü.
Every student is obligated to read a book.
Classroom rule.
Bu formu doldurmakla yükümlüsünüz.
You are obligated to fill out this form.
Official instruction.
Hayvan sahipleri onları beslemekle yükümlüdür.
Pet owners are obligated to feed them.
Responsibility.
Müdür raporu yazmakla yükümlü.
The manager is obligated to write the report.
Work duty.
Şirket vergi vermekle yükümlüdür.
The company is obligated to pay taxes.
Business obligation.
Taraflar sözleşmeye uymakla yükümlüdür.
The parties are obligated to comply with the contract.
Legal terminology.
Her Türk genci askerlik yapmakla yükümlüdür.
Every Turkish youth is obligated to perform military service.
National duty.
Bankalar kimlik kontrolü yapmakla yükümlü kılındı.
Banks were made obligated to perform ID checks.
Passive: 'yükümlü kılınmak'.
Yükümlü olduğunuz tutarı hemen ödemelisiniz.
You must pay the amount you are obligated (to pay) immediately.
Adjective clause: 'Yükümlü olduğunuz'.
Şahitler mahkemede doğruyu söylemekle yükümlüdür.
Witnesses are obligated to tell the truth in court.
Legal context.
Doktorlar hastanın sırrını saklamakla yükümlüdür.
Doctors are obligated to keep the patient's secret.
Professional ethics.
Ebeveynler çocuklarına bakmakla yükümlüdür.
Parents are obligated to look after their children.
Family law.
Belediye yolları temizlemekle yükümlü.
The municipality is obligated to clean the roads.
Public service duty.
İşveren, güvenli bir çalışma ortamı sağlamakla yükümlüdür.
The employer is obligated to provide a safe working environment.
Labor law.
Sözleşme şartlarını ihlal eden taraf tazminatla yükümlüdür.
The party violating the contract terms is liable for compensation.
Liability: 'tazminatla yükümlü'.
Vatandaşlar gelirlerini beyan etmekle yükümlüdür.
Citizens are obligated to declare their income.
Tax terminology.
Sigorta şirketi hasarı karşılamakla yükümlü mü?
Is the insurance company obligated to cover the damage?
Insurance context.
Yasalar önünde herkes eşittir ve kurallara uymakla yükümlüdür.
Everyone is equal before the law and obligated to follow the rules.
Legal principle.
Denetçiler hesapları kontrol etmekle yükümlü kılındılar.
Auditors were made obligated to check the accounts.
Passive plural.
Bu projeyi zamanında bitirmekle yükümlüyüz.
We are obligated to finish this project on time.
Professional commitment.
Devlet, temel eğitim hizmetini sunmakla yükümlüdür.
The state is obligated to provide basic education services.
Constitutional duty.
Uluslararası hukuk uyarınca devletler insan haklarını korumakla yükümlüdür.
Under international law, states are obligated to protect human rights.
Formal international law.
Sözleşmenin feshinden doğan mali yükümlülükler ağırdır.
The financial obligations arising from the termination of the contract are heavy.
Noun phrase: 'mali yükümlülükler'.
Yükümlülerin haklarını bilmesi demokratik bir gerekliliktir.
It is a democratic necessity for those obligated to know their rights.
Using 'yükümlü' as a noun (the obligated ones).
Şirket yöneticileri basiretli bir tacir gibi davranmakla yükümlüdür.
Company managers are obligated to act like a prudent merchant.
Specific legal idiom 'basiretli bir tacir'.
Vergi yükümlülüğünün doğması için kazancın elde edilmiş olması gerekir.
For the tax obligation to arise, the income must have been earned.
Technical tax law.
Mirasçılar, murisin borçlarından da müteselsilen yükümlüdür.
Heirs are also jointly and severally liable for the debts of the deceased.
High-level legal term: 'müteselsilen yükümlü'.
Çevreyi kirletenler, verdikleri zararı telafi etmekle yükümlü tutulmalıdır.
Polluters should be held obligated to compensate for the damage they cause.
Passive + Modal: 'yükümlü tutulmalıdır'.
Akit tarafların karşılıklı yükümlülükleri dengeli olmalıdır.
The mutual obligations of the contracting parties should be balanced.
Contractual theory.
Anayasal bir ödev olarak her Türk vatandaşı vergi ödemekle yükümlüdür.
As a constitutional duty, every Turkish citizen is obligated to pay taxes.
High formal style.
İdarenin kusursuz sorumluluk ilkesi gereği tazminatla yükümlü tutulması mümkündür.
It is possible for the administration to be held liable for compensation per the principle of strict liability.
Advanced administrative law.
Yükümlülüklerin ifası aşamasında dürüstlük kuralı esastır.
The rule of good faith is essential in the stage of fulfilling obligations.
Legal principle: 'dürüstlük kuralı'.
Askerlik yükümlülüğünün tecili için gerekli belgeler ibraz edilmelidir.
Necessary documents must be presented for the deferment of the military service obligation.
Bureaucratic jargon.
Uluslararası sözleşmelerden kaynaklanan yükümlülüklerin iç hukuka entegrasyonu şarttır.
The integration of obligations arising from international treaties into domestic law is essential.
Political science/Law.
Kişisel verilerin korunması kanunu kapsamında veri sorumluları aydınlatma yükümlülüğü altındadır.
Under the law on the protection of personal data, data controllers are under the obligation to inform.
Modern legal requirement: 'aydınlatma yükümlülüğü'.
Vasiyetnamenin yerine getirilmesiyle yükümlü olan kişi atanmıştır.
The person obligated to fulfill the will has been appointed.
Succession law.
Sosyal devlet ilkesi, devletin vatandaşın refahını sağlama yükümlülüğünü pekiştirir.
The social state principle reinforces the state's obligation to ensure the welfare of the citizen.
Constitutional theory.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
— To fulfill one's obligations. Used when someone completes what they are required to do.
Borcunu ödeyerek yükümlülüğünü yerine getirdi.
— To take on an obligation. Used when signing a contract or making a promise.
Büyük bir mali yükümlülük altına girdik.
— To be released from an obligation. Used when a task is finished or a law changes.
Borcunu ödedi ve yükümlülükten kurtuldu.
— The obligation to inform. Specifically used in data privacy and medical law.
Doktorun hastayı aydınlatma yükümlülüğü vardır.
— Burden of proof. The obligation to prove a claim in court.
İspat yükümlülüğü davacıya aittir.
— Obligation of confidentiality. Common in professional ethics.
Avukatların sır saklama yükümlülüğü vardır.
— Obligation of care. Usually refers to parents looking after children or elderly relatives.
Ebeveynlerin çocuklarına karşı bakım yükümlülüğü bulunur.
— Obligation to notify. Used in insurance or administrative law.
Adres değişikliğini bildirim yükümlülüğünüz var.
— Obligation to pay compensation/damages.
Hatalı tarafın tazminat yükümlülüğü doğar.
— The emergence of an obligation. When a situation triggers a legal duty.
Sözleşme imzalanınca yükümlülük doğar.
Idioms & Expressions
— To take responsibility for a difficult task. Similar to 'putting one's neck on the line.'
Bu projede kimse elini taşın altına koyup yükümlülük almadı.
Informal— A debt of the neck. A very strong moral obligation that one feels compelled to do.
Vatana hizmet etmek boynumuzun borcudur.
Emotional/Informal— To remain under a moral burden/sin. Used when failing an obligation causes harm.
Bu işi yapmazsan vebal altında kalırsın.
Religious/Moral— To run away from responsibility/obligation.
Yükümlülüklerinden kaçamazsın.
General— To turn a blind eye. Often used when someone ignores their obligation to report something.
Yolsuzluğa göz yumarak yükümlülüğünü ihlal etti.
General— To be a man of one's word. Fulfilling the obligations of one's promises.
Sözünün eriysen bu yükümlülüğü yerine getirirsin.
Idiomatic— To give an account. Being held to your obligations.
Yükümlü olduğun işler için hesap vermelisin.
General— To open trouble for one's head. What happens when you ignore legal obligations.
Vergi ödememek başına dert açar.
Informal— A contract like a door. A very strong, binding set of obligations.
Elimizde kapı gibi sözleşme var, yükümlülüklerini yapacaklar.
Slang/Informal— To get out from under the work. Successfully fulfilling a heavy obligation.
Bu ağır yükümlülüğün altından başarıyla kalktı.
GeneralWord Family
Nouns
Verbs
Adjectives
Related
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Think of 'yük' as a 'Yoke' (like the wooden beam for oxen). A 'yükümlü' person is wearing the 'yoke' of duty.
Visual Association
Imagine a person carrying a heavy box labeled 'TAXES' and 'RULES.' The box is their 'yük,' and they are 'yükümlü.'
Word Web
Challenge
Try to find three things in your life that you are 'yükümlü' to do (e.g., pay rent, follow traffic lights) and say them out loud in Turkish using '...-la yükümlüyüm.'
Word Origin
Modern Turkish (Öztürkçe). Root: 'yük' (Old Turkic 'yük').
Original meaning: A physical load or burden carried by a person or animal.
Turkic.Cultural Context
Be careful when discussing 'askerlik yükümlülüğü' (military obligation) in Turkey, as it is a sensitive and patriotic topic for many.
In English, we often use 'liable' (legal) or 'obligated' (general). 'Yükümlü' covers both but feels more formal, like 'bound by law.'
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Taxation
- Vergi yükümlüsü
- Beyanname vermekle yükümlü
- KDV yükümlülüğü
- Mali yükümlülükler
Military
- Askerlik yükümlüsü
- Yükümlü sevk belgesi
- Tecil hakkı
- Vatan hizmetiyle yükümlü
Contracts
- Sözleşme yükümlülükleri
- İfa etmekle yükümlü
- Gizlilik yükümlülüğü
- Tazminatla yükümlü
Workplace
- Raporlamakla yükümlü
- İş güvenliği yükümlülüğü
- Mesai ile yükümlü
- Görev tanımı gereği yükümlü
Daily Rules
- Kurallara uymakla yükümlü
- Bilet almakla yükümlü
- Kimlik göstermekle yükümlü
- Sessiz olmakla yükümlü
Conversation Starters
"Sizce vatandaşların devlete karşı en önemli yükümlülüğü nedir?"
"İş yerinizde hangi konularda rapor vermekle yükümlüsünüz?"
"Bir arkadaşın diğerine yardım etme yükümlülüğü var mıdır?"
"Türkiye'deki vergi yükümlülükleri hakkında ne biliyorsunuz?"
"Sözleşme imzalarken en çok hangi yükümlülüklere dikkat edersiniz?"
Journal Prompts
Bugün yerine getirdiğim yükümlülüklerim nelerdi?
Gelecekte hangi yeni yükümlülüklerin altına girmek istiyorum?
Bir insanın kendine karşı olan yükümlülükleri neler olmalıdır?
Zor bir yükümlülüğü yerine getirdiğim bir anımı anlatıyorum.
Eğer hiçbir yükümlülüğüm olmasaydı hayatım nasıl değişirdi?
Summary
The word 'yükümlü' indicates a mandatory duty or legal liability. It is stronger than 'sorumlu' (responsible) and is essential for navigating Turkish laws, taxes, and formal contracts. Example: 'Vergi ödemekle yükümlüyüz' (We are obligated to pay taxes).
- Means 'legally bound' or 'obligated.'
- Derived from 'yük' (load/burden).
- Used in legal, tax, and military contexts.
- Commonly follows the pattern '[Action]-la yükümlü olmak.'
Related Content
More law words
yürürlükten kaldırmak
B2to repeal or revoke a law or rule
kısıtlama
B2A limitation or restriction
müdahil
C1Involved, interfering, or participating
emniyet
B1Safety, security, or police
yükümlülük altına girmek
B2to accept an obligation
kısıtlayıcı
B2restrictive
kanıt
B1evidence, proof
yetkili
B2Authorized person or official.
beyan
B1Declaration, statement, or assertion
münhasır
C1Exclusive, restricted to a specific person or group
