At the A1 level, you should learn 'tercih' mainly as part of the phrase 'tercih etmek'. You can use it to talk about simple things you like more than others. For example, 'Ben çay tercih ederim' (I prefer tea). It is a polite way to tell someone what you want. You don't need to worry about complex grammar yet. Just remember that it is a noun used with 'etmek' to make a verb. Think of it as a slightly more formal way to say 'seviyorum' (I love/like) when you are choosing between two things. You might see this word on a menu or hear a waiter ask you a question. It is a very useful word for being a polite guest in a Turkish home.
At the A2 level, you begin to use 'tercih' as a noun with possessive suffixes. You can say 'Benim tercihim...' (My preference is...). You also learn how to compare two things using the 'A-ı B-ye tercih etmek' pattern. For example, 'Elmayı armuda tercih ederim' (I prefer apples to pears). You will start to see this word in more contexts, like shopping or talking about your daily routine. You should also be aware of 'tercih meselesi' (a matter of preference), which is a common phrase. At this level, you are moving beyond simple desires to expressing your specific tastes and priorities in a more structured way.
At the B1 level, you can use 'tercih' in more complex sentences and understand its use in the passive voice, such as 'tercih edilen' (preferred). You might talk about 'üniversite tercihleri' (university preferences) or 'iş tercihleri' (job preferences). You understand the difference between 'tercih' and 'seçim' (choice). You can use it in the past tense ('tercih ettim') and the future tense ('tercih edeceğim'). You also start to recognize the word in professional settings, like job advertisements where a certain skill is 'tercih sebebidir' (a reason for preference). Your ability to express 'why' you prefer something becomes more sophisticated, using conjunctions like 'çünkü' or 'bu yüzden'.
At the B2 level, you use 'tercih' fluently in abstract discussions. You can talk about societal preferences, economic trends, or political choices. You might use the word in the context of 'toplumsal tercihler' (societal preferences). You are comfortable with all grammatical forms, including conditional and modal uses ('tercih etmelisiniz', 'tercih edersem'). You can also use synonyms like 'yeğlemek' in formal writing to vary your vocabulary. You understand the nuance of 'tercih' in legal or official documents, such as 'tercih hakkı' (the right of preference). You can debate the merits of different options using this word as a central anchor for your arguments.
At the C1 level, 'tercih' becomes a tool for nuanced academic and literary expression. You can analyze the 'tercih' of an author's style or a historical figure's decisions. You use the word in complex structures like 'tercih edegelmek' (to have been preferring) or in highly formal passive constructions. You understand its philosophical implications—how 'tercih' relates to free will and identity. You can accurately use it in specialized fields like economics (consumer preference theory) or law. Your use of 'tercih' is indistinguishable from a native speaker, catching all the subtle cultural connotations and avoiding even the most minor colocation errors.
At the C2 level, you have a complete mastery of 'tercih'. You can use it to play with language, employing it in ironical or highly metaphorical ways. You understand its etymological roots and how they influence its current usage in various Turkic dialects or older Ottoman texts. You can write sophisticated essays on the 'tercih' of modernism over traditionalism in Turkish history. You are aware of the rarest idioms involving the word and can use them appropriately in high-level discourse. 'Tercih' is no longer just a word to you; it is a versatile concept that you can manipulate to express the finest shades of meaning in the Turkish language.

tercih 30 सेकंड में

  • Tercih means 'preference' and is used to show what you like more when given options.
  • It is usually combined with the verb 'etmek' to say 'to prefer' (tercih etmek).
  • In Turkey, it specifically refers to the important university selection process for students.
  • Grammatically, the thing you prefer takes the accusative case (-i, -ı, -u, -ü).

The Turkish word tercih is a noun that translates directly to 'preference' in English. It originates from the Arabic root 'r-j-h', which carries the sense of something outweighing something else or being superior in weight or importance. In daily Turkish, it refers to the internal state of favoring one thing over another, or the result of that internal prioritization. While it is a noun, it is most frequently encountered in the compound verb form tercih etmek (to prefer). Understanding 'tercih' is crucial for navigating everyday social interactions in Turkey, as the culture places a high value on hospitality and offering choices.

Semantic Nuance
Unlike 'seçim' (choice/election), which often refers to the physical act of picking something, 'tercih' emphasizes the mental inclination or the priority given to an option.

Benim tercihim her zaman sessiz bir akşam yemeğidir.

Translation: My preference is always a quiet dinner.

You will hear this word in diverse settings: from a waiter asking for your drink 'tercih' to a university student discussing their 'tercih listesi' (the list of preferred universities submitted after the national exam). It encompasses everything from trivial tastes in food to life-altering decisions regarding career and education. In the Turkish education system, 'tercih' has a specific institutional meaning, referring to the formal process of selecting academic programs. This highlights the word's versatility—it is both a casual expression of taste and a formal term for administrative selection. When you use 'tercih', you are communicating a value judgment, signaling to your interlocutor what you deem more desirable or appropriate for your current situation.

Common Collocation
'Kişisel tercih' (personal preference) is a very common phrase used to end debates about subjective tastes.

Müzik zevki tamamen bir tercih meselesidir.

Translation: Music taste is entirely a matter of preference.

In professional contexts, 'tercih' is used to describe requirements or desired qualifications. Job postings often list 'tercih sebebidir' (is a reason for preference), meaning a certain skill is not mandatory but will give the candidate an advantage. This illustrates the word's role in hierarchies of value. Whether you are choosing a travel destination or a coding language, 'tercih' remains the standard term to describe the 'why' behind your selection. Its usage is polite yet firm, allowing the speaker to assert their desires without being overly aggressive. In Turkish social etiquette, respecting someone's 'tercih' is a sign of good breeding and 'nezaket' (politeness).

Using 'tercih' correctly requires understanding its grammatical flexibility as both a standalone noun and part of a verb phrase. As a noun, it functions like any other Turkish noun, accepting possessive suffixes and case endings. For example, 'Sizin tercihiniz nedir?' (What is your preference?) uses the second person plural possessive suffix '-iniz'. This is a very common way to ask someone what they want in a polite, formal, or semi-formal setting. It sounds more sophisticated than just asking 'Ne istiyorsun?' (What do you want?).

Possessive Forms
Tercihim (My preference), Tercihin (Your preference), Tercihi (His/Her/Its preference), Tercihimiz (Our preference), Tercihiniz (Your preference - formal/plural), Tercihleri (Their preference).

Bu konuda son söz senin tercihine bağlı.

Translation: The final word on this matter depends on your preference.

When you want to express the act of preferring, you combine 'tercih' with the auxiliary verb 'etmek'. The sentence structure follows the pattern: [Object + Accusative] [tercih etmek]. For example, 'Çay tercih ederim' (I prefer tea). If you are comparing two things, the item you are rejecting often takes the 'yerine' (instead of) postposition or the 'den/dan' (than) ablative suffix. For instance, 'Kahve yerine çay tercih ederim' (I prefer tea instead of coffee). This is a vital structure for expressing opinions and making decisions in daily life.

Yaz tatilinde denizi dağa tercih ederim.

Translation: I prefer the sea over the mountains for summer vacation.

Furthermore, 'tercih' appears in the phrase 'tercih edilmek' (to be preferred), which is the passive voice. You might see this on labels or in statistics: 'En çok tercih edilen marka' (The most preferred brand). This is extremely common in marketing and advertising. Another important usage is 'tercih hakkı' (right of preference/choice). In legal or organizational contexts, this refers to a person's right to choose between specific options. By mastering these patterns, you move from simple 'I like' statements to nuanced expressions of priority and selection, which is a hallmark of the A2-B1 transition in Turkish proficiency.

You will hear 'tercih' echoing through the halls of every Turkish university during 'tercih dönemi' (the preference period). This is a high-stakes time of year when students who have taken the national entrance exams must list their department choices in order of preference. In this context, 'tercih' isn't just a word; it's a stressful, life-defining event. Parents, teachers, and news anchors all use the word incessantly during the summer months. If you are in Turkey in July or August, 'Tercihler ne zaman başlıyor?' (When do the preferences start?) will be a sentence you hear on every TV channel.

Service Industry
Waiters and flight attendants use it to offer options politely: 'İçecek tercihiniz nedir?'

Müşterilerimizin tercihleri bizim için çok önemlidir.

Translation: Our customers' preferences are very important to us.

In the world of Turkish business and advertising, 'tercih' is a power word. It is used to suggest quality and popularity. A brand might claim to be 'Türkiye'nin tercihi' (Turkey's choice/preference), implying a collective endorsement by the nation. When shopping online, you might see filters for 'en çok tercih edilenler' (most preferred/best sellers). This use of the word leans into social proof—if others prefer it, you should too. In more intimate settings, like a dinner party, a host might ask 'Özel bir tercihiniz var mı?' (Do you have a special preference?) to inquire about dietary restrictions or specific tastes in a refined manner.

Doktor, ameliyat yerine ilaç tedavisini tercih etti.

Translation: The doctor preferred medication over surgery.

Finally, 'tercih' is common in political discourse. Analysts discuss 'seçmen tercihleri' (voter preferences) to explain election results. Here, the word moves beyond individual taste into the realm of sociology and statistics. Whether it's a high-level political debate or a simple choice between 'elma' (apple) and 'armut' (pear), 'tercih' is the vehicle for expressing the human capacity to prioritize. By paying attention to these different contexts, you can see how 'tercih' bridges the gap between the personal and the public, the casual and the formal.

One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make is confusing tercih etmek with seçmek. While both involve making a choice, 'seçmek' is the physical act of selecting an item from a group (like picking a card), whereas 'tercih etmek' is the expression of a preference or a mental inclination. If you say 'Ben bu elmayı tercih ettim,' it sounds like you are explaining your taste. If you say 'Ben bu elmayı seçtim,' it means you physically picked that apple up. Understanding this distinction is key to sounding natural.

Grammar Error: Case Endings
Learners often forget to use the accusative case for the object being preferred. Wrong: 'Ben kahve tercih ederim.' Right: 'Ben kahveyi tercih ederim.' (Though in general statements, the absolute form is sometimes used, the accusative is more precise for specific preferences.)

Yanlış: Ben çay kahveye tercih ederim.

Correct: Ben çayı kahveye tercih ederim. (I prefer tea to coffee.)

Another common pitfall is the word order when comparing two things. In English, we say 'I prefer A to B.' In Turkish, the structure is 'A-ı B-ye tercih ederim.' The thing you *like* comes first with the accusative, and the thing you are *rejecting* comes second with the dative. Mixing these up will completely flip the meaning of your sentence, making it sound like you prefer the thing you actually dislike! Practice this specific 'A-ı B-ye' pattern until it becomes second nature.

Yanlış: Benim tercih bu.

Correct: Benim tercihim bu. (My preference is this.) - Don't forget the possessive suffix!

Lastly, some learners try to use 'tercih' as a verb directly without 'etmek'. In Turkish, 'tercih' is strictly a noun. You cannot say 'Ben tercihliyorum' (this is a common error based on English 'I am preferring'). You must use the auxiliary verb: 'Tercih ediyorum'. Similarly, avoid using 'daha' (more) with 'tercih etmek' because the verb already implies 'more'. Saying 'Daha çok tercih ederim' is acceptable for emphasis, but 'Daha tercih ederim' is grammatically redundant and sounds awkward to native ears. Stick to the standard 'tercih ederim' or 'tercih ediyorum'.

While 'tercih' is the most common word for preference, Turkish offers several synonyms and related terms that can add flavor and precision to your speech. The most notable synonym is yeğlemek. This is a pure Turkish (Öztürkçe) verb that means 'to prefer'. While 'tercih etmek' is more common in daily conversation, 'yeğlemek' is often found in literature, formal writing, or by speakers who prefer using non-loanwords. It functions as a standalone verb, so you would say 'Çayı kahveye yeğlerim' instead of 'tercih ederim'.

Tercih vs. Seçenek
'Tercih' is the preference itself, while 'seçenek' means 'option' or 'alternative'. You choose a 'tercih' from the available 'seçenekler'.
Tercih vs. Beğeni
'Beğeni' refers to taste or appreciation (like 'likes' on social media), whereas 'tercih' involves a decision-making process.

Başka bir seçeneğim yoktu, bu yüzden bunu tercih ettim.

Translation: I had no other option, so I preferred (chose) this.

Another related word is opsiyon, borrowed from French/English. It is used primarily in technical, financial, or business contexts (e.g., 'satın alma opsiyonu' - purchase option). In daily life, however, 'tercih' remains supreme. If you want to talk about your 'favorite', you would use en sevdiğim or favorim. While 'favorim' is common, 'en çok tercih ettiğim' sounds more analytical and objective. For instance, 'Bu benim favori rengim' (This is my favorite color) vs. 'Bu genellikle tercih ettiğim renktir' (This is the color I usually prefer).

Sizin için en uygun alternatif hangisi?

Translation: Which is the most suitable alternative for you?

Finally, consider the word istek (wish/desire). While 'tercih' is rational and comparative, 'istek' is more emotional and singular. You might have an 'istek' for ice cream, but when faced with flavors, you make a 'tercih'. By understanding these subtle differences—between the physical act of 'seçmek', the literary 'yeğlemek', the logical 'seçenek', and the emotional 'istek'—you can navigate Turkish conversations with much greater precision and cultural awareness. 'Tercih' sits at the center of this web, acting as the most versatile and essential term for expressing human agency.

How Formal Is It?

रोचक तथ्य

The root R-J-H in Arabic is related to scales and weighing. When you make a 'tercih', you are metaphorically putting one option on a scale and seeing it weigh more than the other.

उच्चारण मार्गदर्शिका

UK /teɾ.dʒih/
US /tɛɾ.dʒih/
The stress is on the second syllable: ter-CİH.
तुकबंदी
tespih teşbih tenkih tashih telmih teşrih tevcih tefrik (near rhyme)
आम गलतियाँ
  • Pronouncing 'c' as 's' (it should be 'j' as in 'jam').
  • Dropping the final 'h' completely.
  • Stressing the first syllable.
  • Pronouncing 'e' like 'ay' in 'say'.
  • Making the 'r' too heavy like an English 'r'.

कठिनाई स्तर

पठन 2/5

Easy to recognize in texts, especially in lists or menus.

लिखना 3/5

Requires correct case endings (accusative/dative) when making comparisons.

बोलना 3/5

The final 'h' and the 'c' sound need practice for perfect pronunciation.

श्रवण 2/5

Usually clear in speech, though the 'h' can be soft.

आगे क्या सीखें

पूर्वापेक्षाएँ

seçmek istemek sevmek daha en

आगे सीखें

yeğlemek karar vermek seçenek alternatif öncelik

उन्नत

mukayese üstünlük irade seçkin tahsis

ज़रूरी व्याकरण

Accusative Case for Preferred Object

Kahveyi (Acc) tercih ederim.

Dative Case for Rejected Object in Comparisons

Kahveyi çaya (Dat) tercih ederim.

Auxiliary Verb 'Etmek'

Tercih + etmek = To prefer.

Possessive Suffixes with Nouns

Benim tercih-im, senin tercih-in.

Passive Voice with 'Edilmek'

Bu yol daha çok tercih ediliyor.

स्तर के अनुसार उदाहरण

1

Çay tercih ederim.

I prefer tea.

Simple present tense with 'tercih etmek'.

2

Kahve mi, çay mı tercih edersin?

Do you prefer coffee or tea?

Question form using 'mi'.

3

Benim tercihim elma.

My preference is apple.

Noun 'tercih' with 1st person possessive suffix.

4

Sıcak suyu tercih ederim.

I prefer hot water.

Accusative case 'suyu' used with the preferred object.

5

O, bu arabayı tercih ediyor.

He prefers this car.

Present continuous tense 'ediyor'.

6

Mavi mi, kırmızı mı tercih edersiniz?

Do you prefer blue or red?

Formal/plural 'edersiniz'.

7

Tercihimiz bu otel.

Our preference is this hotel.

Possessive 'tercihimiz' (our preference).

8

Tatlı tercih etmem.

I don't prefer dessert.

Negative form 'etmem'.

1

Yazı kışa tercih ederim.

I prefer summer over winter.

Comparison: A-ı (Acc) B-a (Dat) tercih etmek.

2

Hangi yemeği tercih edersiniz?

Which meal do you prefer?

Interrogative 'hangi' (which).

3

O sessizliği gürültüye tercih eder.

She prefers silence to noise.

Abstract nouns used in comparison.

4

Bu senin kişisel tercihin.

This is your personal preference.

Adjective 'kişisel' modifying 'tercih'.

5

Neden bu yolu tercih ettin?

Why did you prefer (choose) this way?

Past tense 'ettin'.

6

Meyve suyunu kolaya tercih ederim.

I prefer fruit juice over cola.

Accusative 'suyunu' and dative 'kolaya'.

7

Onların tercihi farklıydı.

Their preference was different.

Past tense of a noun phrase 'farklıydı'.

8

Biz genelde treni tercih ederiz.

We usually prefer the train.

Adverb 'genelde' (usually).

1

Sağlıklı yaşam için sebze tercih edilmelidir.

Vegetables should be preferred for a healthy life.

Passive voice 'tercih edilmek' + necessity 'melidir'.

2

Üniversite tercihlerimi henüz yapmadım.

I haven't made my university preferences yet.

Plural possessive 'tercihlerimi'.

3

Müşteriler genellikle ucuz olanı tercih ediyor.

Customers generally prefer the cheap one.

Substantive adjective 'olanı' (the one that is...).

4

Bu iş için tecrübeli adaylar tercih sebebidir.

Experienced candidates are preferred for this job.

Fixed phrase 'tercih sebebidir'.

5

Kendi işimi kurmayı bir şirkette çalışmaya tercih ettim.

I preferred starting my own business over working at a company.

Verbal nouns (-mayı and -maya) used in comparison.

6

Hangi ulaşım aracını tercih edeceksiniz?

Which means of transport will you prefer?

Future tense 'edeceksiniz'.

7

Bu renk tercihi odanın havasını değiştirdi.

This color preference changed the atmosphere of the room.

Noun compound 'renk tercihi'.

8

Onun tercihlerine saygı duymalıyız.

We must respect his preferences.

Dative case 'tercihlerine' with the verb 'saygı duymak'.

1

Modern mimariyi klasik tarza tercih edenler var.

There are those who prefer modern architecture over the classical style.

Participle 'edenler' (those who prefer).

2

Ekonomik kriz dönemlerinde insanlar tasarrufu tercih eder.

In times of economic crisis, people prefer saving.

General statement in the aorist tense.

3

Politik tercihlerini açıklamaktan kaçındı.

He avoided explaining his political preferences.

Ablative 'açıklamaktan' with 'kaçınmak'.

4

Şirket, yerel tedarikçileri tercih etme kararı aldı.

The company decided to prefer local suppliers.

Infinitive 'tercih etme' as part of a noun compound.

5

Neden bu markayı tercih ettiğinizi öğrenebilir miyim?

May I learn why you preferred this brand?

Subordinate clause with '-diğinizi'.

6

Bu bir zorunluluk değil, tamamen bir tercihtir.

This is not a necessity, it is entirely a preference.

Predicate noun with '-tir' for emphasis.

7

Yatırımcılar riskli varlıklar yerine altını tercih ettiler.

Investors preferred gold instead of risky assets.

Use of 'yerine' (instead of) for comparison.

8

Onun bu tercihi herkesi şaşırttı.

This preference of his surprised everyone.

Subject-verb agreement with a noun phrase.

1

Yazarın kelime tercihleri metnin dokusunu güçlendiriyor.

The author's word choices (preferences) strengthen the texture of the text.

Metaphorical use of 'tercih' in literary analysis.

2

Tüketici tercihlerindeki değişim pazarı derinden etkiledi.

The change in consumer preferences deeply affected the market.

Locative 'tercihlerindeki' (the one in the preferences).

3

Stratejik bir tercih olarak bu bölgeyi seçtik.

We chose this region as a strategic preference.

Adverbial use 'olarak' (as).

4

Bireysel tercihler ile toplumsal beklentiler her zaman örtüşmez.

Individual preferences and societal expectations do not always align.

Contrastive sentence structure.

5

Bu üslubu tercih etmesinin arkasında yatan nedenleri tartışmalıyız.

We must discuss the reasons lying behind his preferring this style.

Possessive gerund 'etmesinin'.

6

Hukuki bir tercih hakkı olarak bu maddeyi kullandılar.

They used this article as a legal right of preference.

Legal terminology 'tercih hakkı'.

7

Teknolojiyi insan emeğine tercih etmenin sonuçlarını yaşıyoruz.

We are experiencing the consequences of preferring technology over human labor.

Gerund 'etmenin' in a genitive construction.

8

Sanatçının renk tercihleri ruh halini yansıtıyor.

The artist's color preferences reflect their mood.

Possessive noun compound.

1

Varoluşçu felsefede her tercih bir vazgeçiştir.

In existentialist philosophy, every preference (choice) is a renunciation.

Philosophical maxim.

2

Siyasal iktidarın bütçe tercihleri sınıfsal bir karakter taşır.

The budget preferences of the political power carry a class character.

Academic political analysis.

3

Dilin evrimi, kolektif tercihlerin bir ürünüdür.

The evolution of language is a product of collective preferences.

Linguistic concept.

4

Estetik bir tercih olarak sadeliği benimsemişti.

He had adopted simplicity as an aesthetic preference.

Past perfect with 'benimsemişti'.

5

Bu politikayı tercih etmelerinin rasyonel bir temeli yok.

There is no rational basis for their preferring this policy.

Negative existential 'yok'.

6

Tercihlerin rasyonelliği iktisat biliminin temel tartışma konularından biridir.

The rationality of preferences is one of the fundamental discussion topics of economics.

Complex genitive chain.

7

Hayat, yaptığımız tercihlerin toplamından ibarettir.

Life consists of the sum of the preferences (choices) we make.

Fixed expression 'ibarettir' (consists of).

8

Onun üslubundaki bu radikal tercih, edebiyat dünyasında bomba etkisi yarattı.

This radical preference in his style created a bombshell effect in the literary world.

Metaphorical 'bomba etkisi'.

सामान्य शब्द संयोजन

tercih etmek
kişisel tercih
tercih sebebi
tercih listesi
tercih hakkı
en çok tercih edilen
tercih dönemi
tercih meselesi
ilk tercih
doğru tercih

सामान्य वाक्यांश

Tercih senin.

— It's your choice/preference. Use this to give someone the power to decide.

Sinemaya mı gidelim yoksa evde mi kalalım? Tercih senin.

Sizin tercihiniz nedir?

— What is your preference? A polite way to ask for someone's choice.

İçecek olarak sizin tercihiniz nedir?

Tercih meselesi.

— It's a matter of preference. Used to say there is no right or wrong answer.

Bazıları kışı sever, bazıları yazı; bu bir tercih meselesi.

Tercih edilmek.

— To be preferred. Common in passive contexts.

Bu marka kalitesi nedeniyle tercih ediliyor.

Tercihini yapmak.

— To make one's preference/choice.

Artık bir tercihini yapmalısın.

Öncelikli tercih.

— Primary preference.

Hızlı ulaşım benim öncelikli tercihim.

Tercih dışı.

— Outside of preference / Not preferred.

Bu durum tamamen tercihim dışı gelişti.

Tercihen...

— Preferably... Used to introduce a preferred condition.

İşe alımda, tercihen deneyimli adaylar aranıyor.

Tercih hatası.

— A mistake in preference/choice.

Üniversite yerleştirmesinde tercih hatası yapmış.

Tercih formu.

— Preference form.

Lütfen tercih formunu doldurun.

अक्सर इससे भ्रम होता है

tercih vs seçim

Seçim is the act of picking or an election; tercih is the mental preference.

tercih vs beğeni

Beğeni is general liking; tercih is choosing one thing over another.

tercih vs karar

Karar is the final decision; tercih is the inclination leading to it.

मुहावरे और अभिव्यक्तियाँ

"Tercihini kullanmak"

— To exercise one's right to choose.

Oyuncu, tercihini Avrupa'da kalmaktan yana kullandı.

Neutral
"Gönlü bir yana tercih etmek"

— To prefer something in one's heart (poetic/rare).

Gönlüm seni her şeye tercih eder.

Literary
"Aklı selim bir tercih"

— A sensible/wise preference.

Bu ekonomik durumda altın almak aklı selim bir tercihtir.

Formal
"Tercihini koymak"

— To state one's preference clearly.

Tarafını seç ve tercihini koy.

Informal
"Körün tercihi"

— A blind choice (metaphorical/rare).

Bilmeden seçmek körün tercihidir.

Archaic
"Tercih kurbanı"

— Victim of a (bad) preference/choice.

Yanlış bölüm seçerek tercih kurbanı oldu.

Colloquial
"Baş tacı etmek (tercih ederek)"

— To prefer something so much you put it 'on your head' (honor it).

Bu kitabı baş tacı ederim.

Idiomatic
"Gözü kapalı tercih etmek"

— To prefer something without hesitation.

Bu markayı gözü kapalı tercih ederim.

Colloquial
"Zorunlu tercih"

— A forced preference (oxymoron used to describe limited options).

Başka şansım yoktu, bu zorunlu bir tercihti.

Neutral
"Hayat memat tercihi"

— A life or death preference/choice.

Bu onun için bir hayat memat tercihiydi.

Emphatic

आसानी से भ्रमित होने वाले

tercih vs seçmek

Both involve choosing.

Seçmek is the physical action (I picked this); tercih etmek is the mental state (I prefer this).

Kartlar arasından birini seçtim ama aslında diğerini tercih ederdim.

tercih vs yeğlemek

They are synonyms.

Tercih etmek is more common/modern; yeğlemek is pure Turkish and more literary.

Eskiler 'yeğlemek' kelimesini daha çok kullanırdı.

tercih vs istek

Both express desire.

Istek is a simple want; tercih is a comparative preference.

Canım dondurma çekiyor (istek), ama vanilyalıyı tercih ederim (tercih).

tercih vs seçenek

Related to choice.

Seçenek is the option itself; tercih is the act of favoring one option.

Üç seçenek var, senin tercihin hangisi?

tercih vs karar

Both relate to decision-making.

Karar is the finality; tercih is the preference. You can prefer one thing but decide on another for practical reasons.

Tatlıyı tercih ettim ama diyet yaptığım için yememe kararı aldım.

वाक्य संरचनाएँ

A1

[Noun] tercih ederim.

Elma tercih ederim.

A2

[Noun]-ı [Noun]-a tercih ederim.

Çayı kahveye tercih ederim.

B1

[Verb]-mayı tercih ederim.

Yürümeyi tercih ederim.

B1

En çok tercih edilen [Noun]...

En çok tercih edilen meyve elmadır.

B2

[Possessive] tercihim [Noun] yönünde.

Benim tercihim istifa yönünde.

C1

[Noun] tercihi [Verb]-ma nedeni oldu.

Renk tercihi evin satılmama nedeni oldu.

C2

Tercihlerin rasyonelliği...

Tercihlerin rasyonelliği tartışmalıdır.

All

Tercih senin.

İstediğini al, tercih senin.

शब्द परिवार

संज्ञा

tercih
tercihli
tercihsizlik

क्रिया

tercih etmek
tercih edilmek

विशेषण

tercihli
tercihsel

संबंधित

seçim
yeğlemek
opsiyon
seçenek
karar

इसे कैसे इस्तेमाल करें

frequency

Extremely common in both spoken and written Turkish.

सामान्य गलतियाँ
  • Ben kahve tercih ederim. Ben kahveyi tercih ederim.

    The object of 'tercih etmek' usually needs the accusative case suffix.

  • Ben çay kahveye tercih ederim. Ben çayı kahveye tercih ederim.

    The preferred item (çayı) must have the accusative suffix.

  • Tercihliyorum. Tercih ediyorum.

    You cannot turn the noun 'tercih' into a verb directly with '-liyorum'.

  • Benim tercih bu. Benim tercihim bu.

    When using 'benim' (my), you must add the possessive suffix '-im' to 'tercih'.

  • Daha tercih ederim. Tercih ederim.

    The word 'tercih' already means 'prefer more', so 'daha' is redundant.

सुझाव

Case Marking

Always remember the accusative suffix for the thing you prefer. 'Çay tercih ederim' is okay, but 'Çayı tercih ederim' is better.

University Context

If you are in Turkey in August, 'tercih' will be the most common word on the news because of university placements.

Asking Others

Use 'Tercihiniz nedir?' to be very polite when offering choices to guests or customers.

Synonym

Learn 'yeğlemek' to understand formal texts or older Turkish speakers.

Comparison Order

In comparisons, the preferred item comes first with the accusative suffix.

Adverts

Look for 'En çok tercih edilen' on products to find the most popular items in Turkey.

Verb Usage

Never say 'tercihliyorum'. It must be 'tercih ediyorum'.

Stress

Put the stress on the last syllable: ter-CİH.

Tercih Meselesi

Use this phrase to end subjective arguments politely: 'Bu bir tercih meselesi.'

Possessives

Practice 'tercihim, tercihin, tercihi' to express your choices naturally.

याद करें

स्मृति सहायक

Think of a 'TER-CİH' as a 'Third-Choice' that you actually like. Or imagine a scale where one side is 'ter-CH' (touching) the ground because it's heavier/preferred.

दृश्य संबंध

Imagine a set of old-fashioned brass scales. One side is tilted down because it has a big gold 'T' on it for Tercih.

Word Web

Seçim Karar Üniversite İstek Yeğlemek Seçenek Alternatif Zevk

चैलेंज

Try to list three things you prefer for breakfast using the phrase '...yı ...ya tercih ederim' (e.g., Yumurtayı peynire tercih ederim).

शब्द की उत्पत्ति

Borrowed from Arabic 'tarjīḥ' (ترجيح), which is the verbal noun of 'rajjaḥa' (to make something outweigh/prefer).

मूल अर्थ: To give weight to, to consider superior, to prefer.

Semitic (Arabic root R-J-H)

सांस्कृतिक संदर्भ

No specific sensitivities; the word is neutral and widely used in all social circles.

In English, we use 'preference' or 'choice' somewhat interchangeably, but 'tercih' is more specifically about the 'leaning' or 'ranking' of options.

The song 'Tercihim Senden Yana' (My preference is for you). Turkish Education Ministry's annual 'Tercih Kılavuzu' (Preference Guide). Common phrase in Turkish dramas when characters make life choices.

असल ज़िंदगी में अभ्यास करें

वास्तविक संदर्भ

In a Restaurant

  • İçecek tercihiniz nedir?
  • Ben çay tercih ederim.
  • Şekerli mi tercih edersiniz?
  • Tatlı tercihim yok.

University Admissions

  • Tercih listesi yaptın mı?
  • Puanım bu tercihe yetmiyor.
  • Ölü tercih yapma.
  • Tercih sonuçları açıklandı.

Job Applications

  • Deneyim tercih sebebidir.
  • Hangi departmanı tercih edersiniz?
  • Çalışma saatleri tercihim esnektir.
  • Yabancı dil tercih edilir.

Shopping

  • En çok tercih edilen model bu.
  • Renk tercihinizi yapın.
  • Müşteri tercihlerine göre stok yeniliyoruz.
  • Bu markayı tercih ediyorum.

Daily Life

  • Bu bir tercih meselesi.
  • Senin tercihin ne?
  • Ben sessizliği tercih ederim.
  • Tercihine saygı duyuyorum.

बातचीत की शुरुआत

"Tatilde denizi mi yoksa dağı mı tercih edersin?"

"Yeni bir telefon alırken hangi markayı tercih edersiniz?"

"Sizce neden insanlar bu şehri tercih ediyor?"

"Akşam yemeği için bir tercihin var mı?"

"Çalışırken müzik dinlemeyi mi yoksa sessizliği mi tercih edersin?"

डायरी विषय

Hayatındaki en önemli tercihin neydi ve neden?

Gelecekte nerede yaşamayı tercih edersin? Hayalindeki yeri anlat.

Bir iş seçerken maaşı mı yoksa huzuru mu tercih edersin?

Bugün yaptığın küçük tercihlerin gününü nasıl etkilediğini yaz.

İnsanların neden bazen yanlış tercihler yaptığını düşünüyorsun?

अक्सर पूछे जाने वाले सवाल

10 सवाल

'Tercih' is the mental preference or inclination (I prefer tea), while 'seçim' is the act of choosing or an election (I made a choice).

You say 'Kahveyi çaya tercih ederim.' Remember: Preferred item + Accusative, Rejected item + Dative.

No, 'tercih' is a noun. To use it as a verb, you must add 'etmek' (tercih etmek).

It refers to the specific period in summer when Turkish students submit their university preferences.

Yes, you can say 'daha çok tercih ederim' for emphasis, but 'tercih etmek' already implies 'more' by itself.

It means 'reason for preference'. It's often used in job ads to list skills that aren't mandatory but are liked.

Yes, they are synonyms. 'Yeğlemek' is the pure Turkish version, while 'tercih' is Arabic-rooted and more common.

It's a soft, breathy sound at the end of the word, like the 'h' in 'hat' but very light.

It means 'right of preference' or 'right of choice', often used in legal or official contexts.

Yes, but usually in the context of professional selection or choosing between options, not usually for 'liking' a person romantically (where 'sevmek' or 'beğenmek' is used).

खुद को परखो 180 सवाल

writing

Write a sentence using 'tercih etmek' about food.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

सही! बिलकुल नहीं। सही जवाब:
writing

Compare two cities you like using 'tercih etmek'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

सही! बिलकुल नहीं। सही जवाब:
writing

Explain your 'tercih' for music.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

सही! बिलकुल नहीं। सही जवाब:
writing

Write a formal sentence for a job application using 'tercih'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

सही! बिलकुल नहीं। सही जवाब:
writing

Translate: 'It is a matter of personal preference.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

सही! बिलकुल नहीं। सही जवाब:
writing

Write a question asking someone's preference for a drink.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

सही! बिलकुल नहीं। सही जवाब:
writing

Describe your 'tercih listesi' for university (imaginary).

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

सही! बिलकुल नहीं। सही जवाब:
writing

Use 'tercih edilmek' in a sentence about a brand.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

सही! बिलकुल नहीं। सही जवाब:
writing

Translate: 'I preferred to stay at home.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

सही! बिलकुल नहीं। सही जवाब:
writing

Write a sentence using 'tercihen'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

सही! बिलकुल नहीं। सही जवाब:
writing

Explain why you prefer trains to buses.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

सही! बिलकुल नहीं। सही जवाब:
writing

Write a sentence about 'voter preferences'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

सही! बिलकुल नहीं। सही जवाब:
writing

Translate: 'The final word is your preference.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

सही! बिलकुल नहीं। सही जवाब:
writing

Write a sentence using 'tercih hakkı'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

सही! बिलकुल नहीं। सही जवाब:
writing

Use 'tercih meselesi' in a dialogue.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

सही! बिलकुल नहीं। सही जवाब:
writing

Translate: 'Most preferred holiday destination.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

सही! बिलकुल नहीं। सही जवाब:
writing

Write a sentence about word preference in literature.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

सही! बिलकुल नहीं। सही जवाब:
writing

Translate: 'I don't have a special preference.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

सही! बिलकुल नहीं। सही जवाब:
writing

Explain a difficult 'tercih' you made recently.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

सही! बिलकुल नहीं। सही जवाब:
writing

Translate: 'Which color do you prefer?'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

सही! बिलकुल नहीं। सही जवाब:
speaking

Say: 'I prefer tea to coffee.'

Read this aloud:

सही! बिलकुल नहीं। सही जवाब:
speaking

Ask: 'What is your preference?'

Read this aloud:

सही! बिलकुल नहीं। सही जवाब:
speaking

Say: 'It's a matter of preference.'

Read this aloud:

सही! बिलकुल नहीं। सही जवाब:
speaking

Say: 'My preference is the blue one.'

Read this aloud:

सही! बिलकुल नहीं। सही जवाब:
speaking

Say: 'I don't prefer meat.'

Read this aloud:

सही! बिलकुल नहीं। सही जवाब:
speaking

Say: 'This is my personal preference.'

Read this aloud:

सही! बिलकुल नहीं। सही जवाब:
speaking

Ask: 'Which hotel do you prefer?'

Read this aloud:

सही! बिलकुल नहीं। सही जवाब:
speaking

Say: 'I prefer summer over winter.'

Read this aloud:

सही! बिलकुल नहीं। सही जवाब:
speaking

Say: 'We prefer quality over price.'

Read this aloud:

सही! बिलकुल नहीं। सही जवाब:
speaking

Say: 'I prefer to go by train.'

Read this aloud:

सही! बिलकुल नहीं। सही जवाब:
speaking

Say: 'I respect your preference.'

Read this aloud:

सही! बिलकुल नहीं। सही जवाब:
speaking

Say: 'The choice is yours.'

Read this aloud:

सही! बिलकुल नहीं। सही जवाब:
speaking

Say: 'I prefer reading books to watching TV.'

Read this aloud:

सही! बिलकुल नहीं। सही जवाब:
speaking

Say: 'Why did you prefer this brand?'

Read this aloud:

सही! बिलकुल नहीं। सही जवाब:
speaking

Say: 'I don't have a special preference.'

Read this aloud:

सही! बिलकुल नहीं। सही जवाब:
speaking

Say: 'Most people prefer this.'

Read this aloud:

सही! बिलकुल नहीं। सही जवाब:
speaking

Say: 'I prefer to be alone.'

Read this aloud:

सही! बिलकुल नहीं। सही जवाब:
speaking

Say: 'This is not my preference.'

Read this aloud:

सही! बिलकुल नहीं। सही जवाब:
speaking

Say: 'I prefer to eat at home.'

Read this aloud:

सही! बिलकुल नहीं। सही जवाब:
speaking

Say: 'Everything depends on your preference.'

Read this aloud:

सही! बिलकुल नहीं। सही जवाब:
listening

Listen and identify the word: 'Tercih'.

सही! बिलकुल नहीं। सही जवाब:
सही! बिलकुल नहीं। सही जवाब:
listening

Listen and translate: 'Çay tercih ederim.'

सही! बिलकुल नहीं। सही जवाब:
सही! बिलकुल नहीं। सही जवाब:
listening

Listen and translate: 'Tercih senin.'

सही! बिलकुल नहीं। सही जवाब:
सही! बिलकुल नहीं। सही जवाब:
listening

Listen and translate: 'Benim tercihim elma.'

सही! बिलकुल नहीं। सही जवाब:
सही! बिलकुल नहीं। सही जवाब:
listening

Listen and identify the preference: 'Kahveyi çaya tercih ederim.'

सही! बिलकुल नहीं। सही जवाब:
सही! बिलकुल नहीं। सही जवाब:
listening

Listen and translate: 'Tercih meselesi.'

सही! बिलकुल नहीं। सही जवाब:
सही! बिलकुल नहीं। सही जवाब:
listening

Listen and translate: 'Hangi rengi tercih edersiniz?'

सही! बिलकुल नहीं। सही जवाब:
सही! बिलकुल नहीं। सही जवाब:
listening

Listen and translate: 'Özel bir tercihim yok.'

सही! बिलकुल नहीं। सही जवाब:
सही! बिलकुल नहीं। सही जवाब:
listening

Listen and identify the context: 'Tercih listesi.'

सही! बिलकुल नहीं। सही जवाब:
सही! बिलकुल नहीं। सही जवाब:
listening

Listen and translate: 'Bu tamamen kişisel bir tercih.'

सही! बिलकुल नहीं। सही जवाब:
सही! बिलकुल नहीं। सही जवाब:
listening

Listen and translate: 'En çok tercih edilen model bu.'

सही! बिलकुल नहीं। सही जवाब:
सही! बिलकुल नहीं। सही जवाब:
listening

Listen and translate: 'Tercih hakkımı kullanıyorum.'

सही! बिलकुल नहीं। सही जवाब:
सही! बिलकुल नहीं। सही जवाब:
listening

Listen and translate: 'Deneyim tercih sebebidir.'

सही! बिलकुल नहीं। सही जवाब:
सही! बिलकुल नहीं। सही जवाब:
listening

Listen and translate: 'Tercihini yap.'

सही! बिलकुल नहीं। सही जवाब:
सही! बिलकुल नहीं। सही जवाब:
listening

Listen and translate: 'Tercihleriniz bizim için önemli.'

सही! बिलकुल नहीं। सही जवाब:
सही! बिलकुल नहीं। सही जवाब:

/ 180 correct

Perfect score!

क्या यह मददगार था?
अभी तक कोई टिप्पणी नहीं। अपने विचार साझा करने वाले पहले व्यक्ति बनें!