French expressions in the Turkish language

© aNadventures

Many expressions in Turkish have been borrowed from Arabic or Persian. In the 1920ies and 1930ies, throughout the implementation of Atatürk’s Reforms, the language was transformed to replace many Arabic and Persian loanwords with French words to orient Turkey further towards the Western world.

I already mentioned hoparlör, bisiklet and supangle in a previous post. There are many more words reflecting the influence that French has had on the Turkish language, though.

I’d like to share a few more examples with you:

1. vapur – steamboat, ferryboat (French: bateau à vapeur)
2. asansör – elevator (French: ascenseur)
3. sezaryen – Caesarean (French: césarienne)
4. makyaj – make-up (French: maquillage)
5. milföy – mille-feuille / a kind of puff pastry (French: mille-feuille)

6. atölye – workshop (French: atelier)
7. otobüs – bus (French: autobus)
8. kamyon – lorry / truck (French: camion)
9. şampiyon – champion (French: champion)
10. şoför – driver (French: chauffeur)

11. tuvalet – toilet (French: les toilettes)
12. kuaför – hairdresser (French: coiffeur)
13. berber – barber (French: barbier)
14. sürpriz – surprise (French: surprise)
15. lüks – luxury (French: luxe)

16. kuzen – cousin (French: cousin/cousine)
17. pantalon – trousers (French: pantalon)
18. fuar – trade fair (French: foire)
19. lavabo – basin (French: lavabo)
20. mayo – swimsuit (French: maillot de bain)

21. döpiyes – two-piece suit (for women) (French: deux-pièces)
22. manto – coat (French: manteau)
23. bilet – ticket (French: billet)
24. kültür – culture (French: culture)
25. kalite – quality (French: qualité)

26. randevu – appointment (French: rendez-vous)
27. otantik – authentic (French: authentique)
28. antrenman – training (French: entraînement)
29. sosis – sausage (French: saucisse)
30. turkuaz / türkuaz – turquoise (French: turquoise)

 

Typing these examples, I’ve noticed that the English language has borrowed many words from French as well. How about the languages in YOUR life? Which loanwords from other languages do you particularly like?

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