basamak

Basamak is a Turkish noun meaning “step” or “stair step.” The term is used for a single horizontal surface in a staircase that a person steps on, and more generally for any raised increment that forms a step. The word is of Turkish origin, derived from the verb basmak, to step on or to press, with the nominal suffix -mak.

In architecture and construction, basamak denotes an individual tread and its riser in a staircase. A staircase is described by the number of basamak as well as by dimensions such as tread depth and riser height, following local building standards. The concept is essential for designing safe, functional stairs in buildings and public spaces.

In figurative use, basamak denotes a stage or level in a process, plan, or progression. It can refer to steps in a project, a learning sequence, or a progression toward a goal. Common phrases in Turkish include basamak sayısı (the number of steps) and the next basamak (the next step), illustrating how the term extends beyond physical stairs to conceptual progress.

Basamak is also encountered in everyday language to discuss changes in phases, such as moving up a level in a system, completing one basamak before advancing to the next. Its usage spans architectural, educational, and organizational contexts, making it a versatile term for both concrete and abstract steps.