Turkish has a rich and evolving vocabulary for technology, blending native terms with loanwords. Whether you're discussing gadgets, coding, or internet culture, knowing these words will help you navigate tech conversations confidently.
Hardware and Devices
Bilgisayar
/bil.ɟi.sɑˈjɑɾ/“Computer”
The Turkish word for 'computer', derived from 'bilgi' (knowledge) and 'sayar' (counter). Used for both desktops and laptops.
Telefon
/te.le.fon/“Phone”
A direct loanword from French, referring to mobile or landline phones.
Tablet
/tabˈlet/“Tablet”
Adopted from English, used for touchscreen devices like iPads.
Software and Programming
Yazılım
/jazɯˈlɯm/“Software”
Literally 'written material', this term covers all types of software, from apps to operating systems.
Donanım
/donaˈnɯm/“Hardware”
Refers to physical components of a computer or device.
Programlama
/pɾoɡɾamlaˈma/“Programming”
The act of writing code, often used with 'dili' (language) to specify, e.g., 'Python programlama dili'.
Internet and Digital Culture
İnternet
/in.tɛɾ.nɛt/“Internet”
Pronounced similarly to English, but with stress on the second syllable.
Sosyal medya
/soˈsjal meˈdja/“Social media”
A direct calque from English, widely used for platforms like Twitter or Instagram.
Paylaşım
/pajlaˈʃɯm/“Share”
Used for sharing content online, from posts to files.
Many tech terms in Turkish are borrowed but often adapted to fit phonetic rules. For example, 'download' becomes 'indirmek', while 'upload' is 'yüklemek'.
Common Tech Verbs
- Bağlanmak – To connect (e.g., to Wi-Fi)
- Açmak – To open (a file, app, or program)
- Kapatmak – To close or shut down
For more everyday Turkish phrases, check out our guide on essential phrases for travellers.
