kaç and ne kadar: how many and how much in Turkish

The idea

Kaç asks for a count: kaç kitap means how many books and normally uses a singular noun. Ne kadar asks about an amount, duration or price: ne kadar tuz, ne kadar sürdü or bu ne kadar? Context determines which quantity is intended.

Examples

• Masada kaç kitap var?How many books are on the table?
• Çorbaya ne kadar tuz koydun?How much salt did you put in the soup?
• Yolculuk ne kadar sürdü?How long did the journey take?
• Kaç kişi geliyor?How many people are coming?
• Bu çanta ne kadar?How much is this bag?
• Toplantı kaç saat sürecek?How many hours will the meeting take?

Watch out

Do not automatically add a plural suffix after kaç in standard count questions. A count of hours can use kaç saat, while duration can also be asked with ne kadar sürdü.

Try it yourself

1. Which word asks for a count of units? (kaç / ne kadar)

   Show answer or example answer

   kaç

   kaç: this word asks for a count of units.

2. Which expression can ask about amount, duration or price? (kaç / ne kadar)

   Show answer or example answer

   ne kadar

   ne kadar: this expression can ask about amount, duration or price.

3. Which noun form normally follows kaç in this count question? (kitap / kitaplar)

   Show answer or example answer

   kitap

   kitap: the noun normally remains singular after kaç in this count question.

Use it today

Ask how many books are on a table, how much salt was used and how long a journey took.