sóz

Söz is a Turkish noun with several related meanings, most commonly referring to a unit of language or to a statement and its content. It can signify a spoken utterance, a remark, or the matter that is being discussed. In a different sense, söz denotes a promise or pledge, as in the phrases bir söz vermek (to promise) or söz almak (to obtain a word/commitment from someone).

Etymology and cognates: Söz derives from Turkic roots present across the family of languages. Related terms appear in many Turkic languages with the same core meanings, such as Kazakh söz, Azerbaijani söz, and Uzbek so‘z. The word is written and pronounced with the Turkish letters ö and z, and it forms common compounds and derivatives.

Usage and forms: In Turkish, söz is a countable noun with the plural sözler. It appears in a wide range of expressions: söz konusu (the matter in question, as far as this matter is concerned), sözleşme (contract, from the same semantic field of agreement), and sözlü (oral, spoken). Adjectival and verbal forms include söz vermek and söz almak, among others, to indicate promising or obtaining a commitment. The term also functions in idioms and proverbs related to truth-telling and trust.

Cultural context: In Turkish-speaking communities, keeping one’s word is considered important for social trust and reliability. The concept of söz influences interpersonal expectations, contracts, and commitments in both informal and formal contexts.