olmak
verb
Pronunciation: /ohl-MAK/
English Meaning
to be, to become
“olmak” in Example Sentences
Öğretmen olmak istiyorum.
I want to be a teacher.
Yarın hava güzel olacak.
The weather will be nice tomorrow.
Ne oldu? Neden ağlıyorsun?
What happened? Why are you crying?
Key Forms
| Turkish | English |
|---|---|
| oluyorum | I am becoming |
| oldum | I became |
| Olur | OK / Sure |
Usage Note
In the present tense Turkish usually needs no verb 'to be' ('Ben öğretmenim' – I am a teacher); 'olmak' is used for 'become' and in other tenses. 'Olur' on its own means 'OK, sure'.
Grammar & Usage
One of the most important auxiliary verbs in Turkish. Often combined with nouns/adjectives (e.g., hasta olmak = to be sick).
Word Origin & Etymology
Old Turkic 'bol-mak'.
Keep Learning
- Essential Verbs flashcardsPractise “olmak” with the Core Actions (To...) words
- Present Continuous (-iyor)Grammar lesson · Verbs & Conjugation
- Past Simple / Definite Past (-di)Grammar lesson · Verbs & Conjugation
- The 100 Most Common Turkish Verbs (With Examples)Guide · read more about this topic
- “olmak” conjugationAll tenses with negative and question forms
- Turkish-English DictionaryBrowse all words A–Z
Related Words from Essential Verbs
Practice “olmak” with Flashcards
Essential Verbs
Master this word along with others in the Core Actions (To...) category.