Learn Turkish: Bu kelime ne demek? - What does this word mean?

While the dictionary meaning of demek is 'to say', the fixed phrase ne demek is the standard Turkish way to ask for a meaning. You can think of it literally as 'what is to say?' or 'what is said?'. It smoothly translates to 'what does it mean?' in English.

Why is the verb demek left in its dictionary form (ending in -mek) instead of being conjugated?

In this specific phrase, demek acts more like a noun ('meaning') than an active verb. Because ne demek is a set idiom, you do not need to change it to match a tense or a person. It simply stays in its infinitive form.

Why is the question word ne (what) in the middle of the sentence?

In Turkish, question words usually sit exactly where the answer will go. If you answer this question, you would say 'Bu kelime [answer] demek' (This word means [answer]). So, ne simply holds the place of the missing information right before the verb.

Can I use ne demek without bu kelime to ask what other things mean?

Absolutely! Ne demek is highly versatile. If you do not understand a phrase, a sign, or a situation, you can simply point at it or refer to it and ask Bu ne demek? (What does this mean?).