When we use the second person pronoun siz, there are two possible meanings.
It can mean you (plural), as in you all.
It can also mean you (formal), as a sign of respect toward a single person, similar to the French pronoun vous.
In English, we only have one word for you. But in Azerbaijani, it's important to use the correct pronoun, sən (singular, informal) or siz (plural, formal).
When we use the pronoun "siz" in Azerbaijani, it can mean a few different things depending on the context. Most commonly, it's used when you are talking to more than one person, just like saying "you all" or "y'all" in English. So, if you're addressing a group, "siz" is the word you'd use.
However, "siz" also serves a very important social function in Azerbaijani: it's the formal way to say "you" to a single person. This is similar to how some European languages use a formal "you" (like "vous" in French or "Sie" in German). You'd use "siz" when speaking to someone older than you, someone in a position of authority, or simply someone you don't know well as a sign of respect. Using the informal "sən" in these situations could be seen as impolite.
§ What does it mean and when do people use it?
The Azerbaijani word siz (pronounced: sees) is a pronoun that directly translates to "you" in English. However, unlike English, Azerbaijani distinguishes between singular and plural "you," and also between informal and formal address. This is a common feature in many languages, and mastering it is crucial for polite and accurate communication.
Specifically, siz serves two main purposes:
- Plural "You": When you are talking to more than one person, you use siz. This is straightforward: if there are multiple individuals, siz is the correct choice, regardless of your relationship with them.
- Formal "You": When you are talking to a single person but want to show respect, formality, or politeness, you also use siz. This is similar to how "vous" is used in French or "usted" in Spanish. It's particularly important when addressing:
- Elders
- People in positions of authority (teachers, bosses, police officers)
- Strangers
- Anyone you want to show deference to, or maintain a respectful distance with.
The informal singular "you" in Azerbaijani is sən. We'll cover that in detail in another lesson. For now, remember that siz is your go-to for groups or when you need to be polite.
- Definition
- You; second person plural or formal
Let's look at some examples to clarify how siz is used in different contexts.
Necəsiniz, siz?
Translation hint: "How are you?" (Addressing a group or a single person formally).
Siz haradan gəlirsiniz?
Translation hint: "Where are you (plural/formal) coming from?"
Müəllim, siz mənə kömək edə bilərsiniz?
Translation hint: "Teacher, can you help me?" (Formal address to a single teacher).
Uşaqlar, siz çox yaxşısınız!
Translation hint: "Children, you (all) are very good!" (Addressing a group of children).
The use of siz also affects verb conjugations. In Azerbaijani, verbs change their endings to agree with the pronoun. For siz, the verb ending typically includes -siniz/-sınız/-sünüz/-sunuz (depending on vowel harmony). For instance, with the verb gəlmək (to come):
- Siz gəlirsiniz. (You are coming - plural/formal)
Compare this to the informal singular sən gəlirsən. You'll notice the difference in the verb ending. Paying attention to these endings will help you identify whether someone is using formal or informal address, even if they don't explicitly use the pronoun.
Understanding when to use siz is a fundamental step in speaking Azerbaijani naturally and respectfully. Practice using it in different scenarios, and you'll quickly get comfortable with it.
How Formal Is It?
"Necəsiniz, Elnarə xanım? (How are you, Ms. Elnara?)"
"Necəsən, dostum? (How are you, my friend?)"
مستوى الصعوبة
short
short
short
short
ماذا تتعلّم بعد ذلك
تعلّم لاحقاً
متقدم
قواعد يجب معرفتها
Use 'siz' when addressing multiple people, regardless of formality.
Siz haradan gəlirsiniz? (Where are you (plural) coming from?)
Use 'siz' when addressing a single person formally, similar to 'vous' in French or 'usted' in Spanish. This is common when speaking to elders, superiors, or strangers.
Siz necəsiniz? (How are you (formal/singular)?)
'Siz' can be omitted if the verb ending clearly indicates the second person plural or formal.
Gəlirsiniz? (Are you (plural/formal) coming? - 'siz' is understood from '-siniz' ending)
When 'siz' is used with a noun to show possession, the noun takes the suffix '-iniz' (or its phonetic variations).
Siz eviniz (Your (plural/formal) house)
The informal singular 'sən' is used for close friends, family, or children. Avoid using 'sən' in formal situations.
Sən hara gedirsən? (Where are you (informal/singular) going?)
أمثلة حسب المستوى
Necəsiniz, cənab Əliyev? Ümid edirəm ki, işləriniz yaxşı gedir.
How are you, Mr. Aliyev? I hope your work is going well.
Here, 'siz' is used formally to address Mr. Aliyev.
Siz bu layihə üzərində nə qədər vaxt işləmisiniz?
How long have you (plural/formal) been working on this project?
'Siz' refers to a group of people or is used formally when asking about the project duration.
Zəhmət olmasa, siz mənə bu formanı doldurmağa kömək edə bilərsiniz?
Please, can you (formal) help me fill out this form?
A polite request using 'siz' in a formal context.
Siz həmişə bu qədər səyahət edirsiniz, yoxsa bu yaxınlarda başlayıbsınız?
Do you (plural/formal) always travel this much, or have you started recently?
'Siz' can address one person formally or multiple people in general conversation.
Müəllim, siz dərsi başa salanda hər şeyi aydın başa düşdük.
Teacher, when you (formal) explained the lesson, we understood everything clearly.
A respectful way to address a teacher, using 'siz'.
Siz bu təklifi qəbul etməyi düşünürsünüz, yoxsa başqa variantlara baxırsınız?
Are you (plural/formal) considering accepting this offer, or are you looking at other options?
Used to inquire about the decision-making process of one or more individuals.
Xahiş edirəm, siz mənə şəhərin mərkəzinə necə gedəcəyimi deyə bilərsiniz?
Excuse me, can you (formal) tell me how to get to the city center?
A common polite question using 'siz' to a stranger for directions.
Siz dünənki iclasda iştirak etmisinizmi? Mən sizin fikirlərinizi eşitmək istərdim.
Did you (plural/formal) attend yesterday's meeting? I would like to hear your opinions.
Asking about attendance and opinions, using 'siz' formally or to a group.
تعبيرات اصطلاحية
"Halal olsun!"
Well done! / Bravo!
Yarışı udan idmançıya hamı bir ağızdan dedi: Halal olsun! (Everyone told the athlete who won the race: Well done!)
neutral"Göz dəyməsin!"
May evil eye not touch you! (Said when admiring something/someone to ward off bad luck)
Nə gözəl uşaqdır, göz dəyməsin! (What a beautiful child, may no evil eye touch them!)
neutral"Can sağlığı!"
Wishing you health! (Used as a toast or when someone sneezes)
Yeni il münasibətilə sizə can sağlığı arzu edirəm! (I wish you health on the occasion of the New Year!)
neutral"Uğurlar!"
Good luck!
Yeni işində sənə uğurlar! (Good luck with your new job!)
neutral"Yolun açıq olsun!"
May your path be open! / Have a good journey!
Uzaq yola çıxan dostuma dedim: Yolun açıq olsun! (I told my friend who was setting off on a long journey: May your path be open!)
neutral"Gözlərin aydın!"
Congratulations! (Literally 'may your eyes be bright', used when someone gets good news)
Oğlun universitetə daxil olub? Gözlərin aydın olsun! (Your son got into university? Congratulations!)
neutral"Sağlıqla qal!"
Stay healthy! / Goodbye! (Used when parting ways)
Sabah görüşərik, sağlıqla qal! (See you tomorrow, stay healthy!)
neutral"Başın sağ olsun!"
My condolences! (Literally 'may your head be healthy', said to someone who has lost a loved one)
Yaxınını itirən dostuma başın sağ olsun dedim. (I offered my condolences to my friend who lost a loved one.)
neutral"Qurban olum!"
I'd sacrifice myself for you! (An expression of deep affection or gratitude, often informal)
Qurban olum sənə, mənə kömək et! (I'd sacrifice myself for you, help me!)
informal"Əlin qolun var olsun!"
May your hands and arms exist! (A way to thank someone for their hard work or help)
Bu işdə mənə çox kömək etdin, əlin qolun var olsun! (You helped me a lot with this work, may your hands and arms exist!)
neutralكيفية الاستخدام
Siz is the second person plural pronoun, meaning “you” when addressing multiple people. It is also used as a formal singular pronoun, meaning “you” when addressing one person respectfully, similar to ‘vous’ in French or ‘usted’ in Spanish. This is crucial for showing politeness in Azerbaijani culture.
Many English speakers mistakenly use sən (the informal singular ‘you’) in formal situations. Always use siz when addressing elders, superiors, or people you don't know well. Using sən incorrectly can be seen as disrespectful.
اختبر نفسك 66 أسئلة
Which of these means 'you' (plural or formal)?
'Siz' is the Azerbaijani word for 'you' when addressing multiple people or one person formally. 'Mən' means I, 'o' means he/she/it, and 'biz' means we.
How would you address a group of friends politely?
Even with friends, 'siz' is often used for politeness, especially when addressing more than one person. 'Sən' is informal singular. 'Mən' is I, 'o' is he/she/it.
Complete the sentence: 'Necəsiniz, ___?' (How are ___?)
'Necəsiniz' is the formal/plural form of 'how are you?', so it requires 'siz'. 'Sən' is informal singular. 'Mən' is I, 'o' is he/she/it.
'Siz' is used when talking to a single person you know well and are informal with.
False. 'Siz' is used for multiple people or for a single person formally. For a single person you know well and are informal with, you would use 'sən'.
If you are talking to your teacher, you should use 'siz'.
True. Addressing a teacher is a formal situation, so 'siz' is appropriate.
'Siz' is only used for more than one person.
False. While 'siz' is used for more than one person, it is also used for one person when you want to be formal or show respect.
This means 'How are you?' in a formal way or addressing multiple people.
This means 'Where are you from?' (formal/plural). The 'siz' can be at the beginning or end.
This translates to 'Are you students?' or 'Are you a student?' (formal).
Which sentence correctly uses 'siz' in a formal context?
'Siz necəsiniz?' is the correct way to ask 'How are you?' formally or to multiple people. 'Sən necəsən?' is informal singular.
Choose the sentence where 'siz' refers to a group of people.
The verb ending '-siniz' indicates plural 'you', matching 'siz' for a group. Other options use singular pronouns or different subjects.
If you are addressing your boss, which sentence would you use with 'siz'?
Addressing a boss requires formality, so 'siz' with the corresponding verb ending '-siniz' is appropriate. 'Sən' is informal.
The pronoun 'siz' can only be used when talking to more than one person.
'Siz' can be used for both plural 'you' and formal singular 'you'.
Using 'siz' when talking to an elder shows respect.
In Azerbaijani culture, using 'siz' for elders or people in positions of authority is a sign of respect and formality.
The verb ending changes when 'siz' is used.
Yes, when 'siz' is the subject, the verb typically takes the '-siniz' ending (e.g., 'siz gəlirsiniz' - you are coming).
Where are you from?
What do you do for a living?
Did you like this movie?
Read this aloud:
Siz harada yaşayırsınız?
Focus: ya-şa-yır-sı-nız
قلت:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
Sizə kömək edə bilərəmmi?
Focus: kö-mək e-də bi-lər-əm-mi
قلت:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
Siz nə vaxt gələcəksiniz?
Focus: nə vaxt gə-lə-cək-si-niz
قلت:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Write a short email to a new Azerbaijani colleague, introducing yourself and asking how they are. Use 'siz' appropriately.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Salam, Mən [Your Name]əm. Necəsiniz?
You are at a formal event in Azerbaijan. Write two sentences introducing yourself to a group of people, using 'siz'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Salam, mənim adım [Your Name]dir. Sizinlə tanış olmaq xoşdur.
Write a question you would ask a shop assistant (plural 'siz') if you wanted to know if they have a specific item.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Bu paltardan sizdə var?
Who is the email addressed to?
Read this passage:
Salam, cənab Əhməd. Necəsiniz? Mən SubLearn-dən yazıram. Bizim yeni kurslarımız haqqında sizə məlumat vermək istəyirəm. Ümid edirəm ki, sizə maraqlı olacaq.
Who is the email addressed to?
The passage starts with 'Salam, cənab Əhməd. Necəsiniz?' directly addressing Mr. Ahmed.
The passage starts with 'Salam, cənab Əhməd. Necəsiniz?' directly addressing Mr. Ahmed.
What is the main topic of the shop assistant's greeting?
Read this passage:
Günaydın! Sizə kömək edə bilərəm? Bu gün hava çox gözəldir. Siz haradan gəlirsiniz? Bizim mağazamızda yeni məhsullar var.
What is the main topic of the shop assistant's greeting?
The first sentence 'Sizə kömək edə bilərəm?' directly asks if they can help.
The first sentence 'Sizə kömək edə bilərəm?' directly asks if they can help.
What is the student's feeling towards the teacher's lessons?
Read this passage:
Əziz müəllim, sizə çox təşəkkür edirəm. Dərsləriniz çox maraqlıdır. Biz sizinlə öyrənməyi sevirik. Gələn həftə görüşərik.
What is the student's feeling towards the teacher's lessons?
The sentence 'Dərsləriniz çox maraqlıdır' states that the lessons are very interesting.
The sentence 'Dərsləriniz çox maraqlıdır' states that the lessons are very interesting.
Which of the following would you use to address a group of people formally?
'Siz' is used for formal address or when addressing multiple people. 'Sən' is informal singular. 'O' means 'he/she/it'. 'Biz' means 'we'.
If you are talking to your teacher, which pronoun should you use?
Addressing a teacher requires a formal tone, so 'Siz' is appropriate. 'Sən' is informal. 'Onlar' means 'they'. 'Mən' means 'I'.
Choose the correct sentence if you are asking a group of friends, 'Are you coming?'
When addressing a group, 'Siz' (plural 'you') is used. The verb also needs to be conjugated for 'Siz' (gəlirsiniz). 'Sən gəlirsən?' is singular informal. 'O gəlir?' means 'Is he/she coming?'. 'Biz gəlirik?' means 'Are we coming?'.
You can use 'siz' to refer to a single person if you want to be polite and respectful.
'Siz' serves as both the plural 'you' and the formal singular 'you' in Azerbaijani.
Using 'siz' instead of 'sən' always means you are talking to more than one person.
'Siz' can be used for a single person when you want to show respect or formality, even if you are not addressing multiple people.
When speaking to children, 'siz' is the appropriate pronoun to use.
For children and close friends, the informal 'sən' is typically used. 'Siz' is reserved for formal situations or addressing adults respectfully.
Which of the following sentences correctly uses 'siz' to address a group of people?
The verb ending '-siniz' correctly corresponds to the plural 'siz'.
In which sentence is 'siz' used formally?
'Müəllim' (teacher) suggests a formal context where 'siz' would be used.
Choose the sentence where 'siz' refers to a single person respectfully.
'Cənab Əhmədov' (Mr. Ahmadov) indicates a formal address to a single person, requiring 'siz'.
'Siz' can be used to address both a group of people and a single person formally.
Yes, 'siz' serves both as the second person plural and the formal singular 'you'.
When addressing a close friend, it is always appropriate to use 'siz'.
For close friends, the informal 'sən' (you singular) is typically used, not 'siz'.
The verb ending for 'siz' is always '-siniz' or a variation like '-sınız'.
The second person plural and formal singular 'siz' always corresponds to verb endings such as '-siniz', '-sınız', '-sunuz', '-sünüz'.
Müəllim, zəhmət olmasa, ______ mənə kömək edə bilərsiniz?
In Azerbaijani, 'siz' is used for formal 'you' when addressing a teacher, showing respect.
Cənab Əhmədov, ______ harada görüşə bilərik?
When addressing someone formally like 'Cənab Əhmədov' (Mr. Ahmadov), the dative form 'sizə' (to you) is appropriate.
Uşaqlar, ______ dərsə hazırlaşmalısınız.
When addressing a group of children, 'siz' is used as the plural 'you'.
Hörmətli qonaqlar, ______ üçün nə edə bilərik?
When addressing esteemed guests, the genitive form 'sizin' (for you/your) is used for politeness.
Rəhbər, ______ görüşmək istəyirəm.
When speaking to a superior like 'Rəhbər' (leader/boss), the comitative form 'sizlə' (with you) maintains formality.
Həkim, mən ______ bir sual vermək istərdim.
When asking a question to a doctor, 'sizdən' (from you) is the appropriate formal and respectful form.
How do you (plural/formal) plan to solve this complex problem?
Please, read this report carefully and give your feedback (formal).
Your (plural/formal) approach to this project is truly commendable.
Read this aloud:
Azərbaycanın iqtisadi inkişaf perspektivləri haqqında nə düşünürsünüz?
Focus: iqtisadi inkişaf perspektivləri
قلت:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
Cəmiyyətdə baş verən dəyişikliklərə sizin münasibətiniz necədir?
Focus: cəmiyyətdə baş verən dəyişikliklər
قلت:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
Bu vəziyyətdən ən uyğun çıxış yolunu necə görürsünüz?
Focus: ən uyğun çıxış yolu
قلت:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
This sentence asks if you (formal/plural) are satisfied with the quality of this product. The standard word order in Azerbaijani is Subject-Object-Verb, and here, 'məmnun qalmaq' acts as a verb phrase.
This question asks how you (formal/plural) evaluate the effects of changes occurring in society. The adjectival clause 'baş verən' modifies 'dəyişikliklərin'.
This sentence asks if you (formal/plural) are certain you have fully understood the terms of this contract. 'Əmin olmaq' means 'to be sure', and 'anladığınıza' is a dative construction meaning 'to your understanding'.
This sentence means 'You can speak Azerbaijani fluently.' The order is Subject (Siz), Object (Azərbaycan dilində), Adverb (sərbəst), Verb (danışa bilirsiniz).
This sentence means 'Dear guests, we say welcome to you.' The address 'Hörmətli qonaqlar' comes first, followed by the dative pronoun 'sizə', then the welcome phrase 'xoş gəlmisiniz', and finally the verb 'deyirik'.
This sentence means 'When making a decision, you should consider all alternatives.' The temporal clause 'Qərar verərkən' starts the sentence, followed by the subject 'siz', then the object 'bütün alternativləri', and finally the compound verb 'nəzərə almalısınız'.
/ 66 correct
Perfect score!
محتوى ذو صلة
تعلّمها في السياق
هذه الكلمة بلغات أخرى
عبارات ذات صلة
مزيد من كلمات social
ad
A1Name; a word by which someone is known
ad günü
A1Birthday
adam
A1Person or man
birlikdə
A1Together; with each other
biz
A1We; first person plural
bəli
A1Yes; expressing agreement
cavab vermək
A1To answer or to respond
danışmaq
A1To speak or to talk
demək
A1To say or to tell
dost
A1Friend; a person whom one knows and has a bond with
