Su
English Meaning
Water
“Su” in Example Sentences
Bir bardak su istiyorum.
I want a glass of water.
Bir şişe su ne kadar?
How much is a bottle of water?
Musluk suyu içilir mi?
Is the tap water drinkable?
Common Forms & Phrases
| Turkish | English |
|---|---|
| suyu | the water (object) / its water |
| suya | to / into the water |
| suda | in the water |
| sudan | from the water |
Usage Note
You will often hear the plural in 'Sular kesildi' (The water has been cut off) — a common notice during maintenance work.
Commonly Used With (Collocations)
Grammar & Usage
Irregular in the possessive: 'suyu' (its water), not 'susu' — which is why compounds end in '-suyu': 'meyve suyu' (fruit juice), 'maden suyu' (mineral water). Case endings take a buffer -y-: 'suya' (to the water), 'suyu' (the water, as a direct object).
Word Origin & Etymology
From Old Turkic 'sub' / 'suv' (water); the word has barely changed in over a thousand years.
Cultural Context
Water is considered sacred in Turkish culture. Spilling water behind someone who is leaving on a journey is a tradition meaning 'go like water, return like water' (have a smooth trip).
Common Idioms & Phrases
“Su gibi git, su gibi dön”
“Go like water, return like water (have a safe, smooth trip)”
“Suya düşmek”
“To fall through / come to nothing (literally: to fall into the water)”
Keep Learning
- Beginner Basics flashcardsPractise “Su” with the Common Objects & People words
- Food & Dining flashcardsPractise “Su” with the Drinks (İçecekler) words
- Buffer Consonant 'y'Grammar lesson · Nouns & Noun Phrases
- Possessive SuffixesGrammar lesson · Nouns & Noun Phrases
- Turkish-English DictionaryBrowse all words A–Z
Related Words from Beginner Basics
Practice “Su” with Flashcards
Beginner Basics
Master this word along with others in the Common Objects & People category.