It’s usually pronounced “TUR-key-yeh” or “tur-KEE-yeh” in English- style guides, with the stress on the first syllable in most pronunciation references. Cambridge gives the English pronunciation as /tɜːˈkiː.jeɪ/ in UK English and /tɝːˈkiː.jeɪ/ in US English.

Simple breakdown

  • Tür → “tur” or “toor” sound.
  • ki → “kee.”
  • ye → “yeh” or “yay,” depending on the accent guide.

Easy way to say it

Say: “tur-KEE-yeh” slowly, then speed it up a little.
If you want the English approximation, “tur-kee-yay” is also close to the Cambridge-style pronunciation.

Common mistake

Don’t say just “Turkey” if you’re trying to pronounce the country’s current name; several pronunciation guides emphasize the three-syllable form Türkiye.

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