ilk başta — meaning in English: at first

Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.

Guess the translation for at first

ilk başta

Olmak

çünkü

muktedir

tutkulu

Skip this question

🎓

Learn Turkish for free

Quizzes, examples, audio & daily challenges. No password needed — just your email.

Start learning →

Already have an account? Log in

neutral common

Usage

Native speakers often use 'ilk başta' in conversations when discussing initial impressions or early stages of a situation. For example, someone might say, 'Ilk başta bu film sıkıcıydı ama sonra çok güzelleşti,' meaning 'At first, this movie was boring, but then it became really beautiful.' It's commonly used in both casual chats and more structured discussions.

Synonyms & nuances

'Ilk başta' can be compared to 'öncelikle,' which means 'firstly.' However, 'ilk başta' emphasizes a temporal sequence of events, suggesting a progression from initial thoughts to more developed views. Use 'ilk başta' when you want to underscore the transition from first impressions to later conclusions.

Culture

'Ilk başta' directly translates to 'at first' and reflects the Turkish cultural emphasis on initial perceptions. In conversations, there's a strong inclination to discuss first impressions in social settings, reflecting an openness to change and evolution of opinions. This phrase often appears in storytelling, enhancing narratives by contrasting early expectations with later outcomes.

FAQ

Q.What does 'ilk başta' mean in English?

'Ilk başta' translates to 'at first' in English, indicating the beginning of a situation or perception.

Q.How do you use 'ilk başta' in a sentence?

You can use 'ilk başta' to describe an initial reaction or impression, such as 'Ilk başta çok zordu, ama sonra anladım,' meaning 'At first, it was very hard, but then I understood.'

Q.Are there any common mistakes with 'ilk başta'?

A common mistake is using 'ilk başta' in contexts where 'öncelikle' would be more appropriate, especially when listing or ranking items. 'Ilk başta' should focus on initial impressions rather than prioritization.

Learn turkish with Maspeak →

Turkish Vocabulary