Tercüman

Tercüman is a Turkish noun meaning translator or interpreter. The term is derived from the Ottoman Turkish form of the Arabic tarjamān, literally “the one who translates.” The related noun tercüme denotes the act of translation, and the verb tercüme etmek means to translate. A more formal or historical synonym is mütercim.

In contemporary Turkish, ter çü man can refer to both written translation and oral interpretation. While the everyday use often covers both senses, some registers distinguish them, with mütercim sometimes appearing in more formal or literary contexts, and ter çü man serving as the common, general term in media and daily language. The profession spans various domains, including literature, law, medicine, technology, and diplomacy.

Historically, during the Ottoman Empire, tercüman played a crucial role as language intermediaries in courts, chancelleries, and diplomatic missions. They facilitated communication between Turkish authorities and speakers of Persian, Arabic, Greek, and other languages, supporting administration, education, and international relations. The term reflects a long-standing tradition of linguistic mediation in multilingual contexts.

Today, ter çü man remains the standard designation for professionals who translate written texts or interpret spoken language between Turkish and other languages. Education in translation studies, professional certification, and associations support the field in Turkey and Turkish-speaking communities. See also translator, interpreter, and translation studies.