Months in Turkish: How to Learn Them Quickly

Learning a new language can be both exciting and challenging, especially when it comes to grasping essential vocabulary like the months of the year. In this article, we’ll explore the Turkish months and provide you with tips on how to learn them quickly. Additionally, we’ll delve into some Turkish idioms that incorporate these months, offering you a deeper insight into the language’s cultural nuances.

Turkish Months of the Year

Before diving into idioms, let’s familiarize ourselves with the Turkish months of the year:

1. Ocak (January)
2. Şubat (February)
3. Mart (March)
4. Nisan (April)
5. Mayıs (May)
6. Haziran (June)
7. Temmuz (July)
8. Ağustos (August)
9. Eylül (September)
10. Ekim (October)
11. Kasım (November)
12. Aralık (December)

Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s explore some tips on how to learn these months quickly.

1. Use Flashcards: Create flashcards with the Turkish names of the months on one side and their English counterparts on the other. This visual aid can help reinforce your memory.

2. Practice Regularly: Consistency is key. Dedicate a few minutes each day to practicing the Turkish months, whether through repetition, writing them down, or speaking them aloud.

3. Mnemonics: Create mnemonic devices or associations to remember each month. For instance, associate “Şubat” (February) with the idea of wearing “shoes” in cold weather.

4. Incorporate Them into Daily Life: Label items around your home with Turkish month names. For example, put a note on your calendar or clock, or even on food items with expiration dates.

5. Engage with Native Speakers: Engage in conversations with native Turkish speakers. Hearing and using the months in context will help solidify your understanding.

Turkish Idioms Involving Months

Now, let’s explore some Turkish idioms that involve months, shedding light on the language’s rich cultural heritage:

1. Ocak ayı gibi soğuk (Cold as January): This idiom is used to describe extremely cold weather. Just like January in many parts of the world, it signifies the depths of winter in Turkey.

2. Mart kapıdan baktırır, kazma kürek yaktırır (March makes you look out the door, and makes you burn the hoe and shovel): This idiom reflects the unpredictable weather in March. It suggests that you might be tempted to start gardening due to the improving weather, but it’s still too early, as frost can damage your efforts.

3. Mayıs ayı hoş geldin, ne getirdin? (Welcome, May! What have you brought?): Turks use this idiom to welcome May and inquire about its gifts. May is generally associated with pleasant weather and blooming flowers, making it a delightful month.

4. Temmuz sıcağı (The heat of July): This idiom refers to the scorching heat of July. It’s often used to emphasize the intensity of a situation or to describe a challenging period.

5. Aralık ayı gibi telaşlı (Busy as December): December is known for its hectic pace due to the holiday season. This idiom is used to describe someone who is extremely busy or rushed.

Conclusion

Learning the months in Turkish is an essential step in mastering the language, and with the right approach, it can be done quickly and effectively. By incorporating the tips mentioned above and exploring idioms related to the months, you’ll not only enhance your language skills but also gain insight into Turkish culture and expressions. So, take your time, practice regularly, and embrace the beauty of the Turkish language as you journey through the months of the year.