veya

Veya is a Turkish coordinating conjunction that introduces alternatives, equivalent to the English word “or.” It links two or more options, whether they are nouns, adjectives, or clauses. In formal or written Turkish, veya is common, while in everyday speech speakers often prefer ya da to express the same idea. The use of veya does not change word order; the connected clauses maintain their own subjects and tenses.

Veya can appear in a variety of constructions. It can connect noun phrases, as in Çay veya kahve ister misin? or İstersen çay veya kahve içelim. It also appears in lists and formal explanations to present choices, for example Elektrik, su veya internet faturaları bu ay yükseldi. In more explicit phrasing, ya da can be used for slightly different nuance or emphasis in casual speech, whereas veya remains the standard formal alternative connector in written Turkish.

Notes on nuance and style: or is generally fitted to more formal or technical contexts, especially in manuals, exams, or official documents. Ya da is common in everyday conversation and informal writing. In some contexts, veya can introduce a range of options or a binary choice, while providing a neutral, noncommittal tone. Overall, veya functions as a straightforward tool for presenting alternatives in Turkish.