At the A1 level, you only need to know 'seçim' in very simple contexts. It mostly means 'choice'. You can use it to say things like 'Bu benim seçimim' (This is my choice). It is a good word to learn alongside colors or food, where you have to pick one. You might hear a teacher ask, 'Hangi renk? Senin seçimin.' (Which color? Your choice). Focus on the basic 'noun + possessive' structure. Don't worry about political meanings yet; just think of it as the act of picking something you like. It's a useful word for expressing your independence and personal taste in basic Turkish conversations.
At the A2 level, you start using 'seçim' with common verbs like 'yapmak' (to make). You should be able to say 'Bir seçim yapmam lazım' (I need to make a choice). You also begin to see the word in public places, like on news headlines. You will learn that 'seçim' also means 'election'. You might see 'Genel Seçim' (General Election) on TV. You should understand how to use it in simple sentences about daily life, such as choosing a path, a meal, or a gift. This level is where you distinguish between 'seçim' (the act) and 'seçenek' (the option), although you might still mix them up occasionally.
By B1, you are expected to use 'seçim' in more complex sentences and understand its role in Turkish society. You will use it to discuss your career 'kariyer seçimi' or your education. You should be comfortable with noun compounds like 'seçim sonuçları' (election results) and 'seçim kampanyası' (election campaign). You will also encounter the word in more abstract discussions about 'hayat seçimleri' (life choices). At this level, you should be able to explain why you made a certain choice using 'çünkü' (because) and other connectors. You start to feel the difference between 'seçim' and 'tercih' (preference) more clearly.
At the B2 level, 'seçim' becomes a tool for discussing politics, sociology, and personal philosophy in detail. You can talk about 'seçim barajı' (the election threshold) in Turkey or 'seçmen davranışı' (voter behavior). You can use the word in the passive voice: 'Seçimler dört yılda bir yapılır' (Elections are held every four years). You are also able to use 'seçim' in idiomatic expressions and understand its nuance in literature. Your ability to use the word in various registers—from casual talk with friends to a formal debate about democracy—shows your growing fluency. You understand that 'seçim' involves responsibility and consequences.
At the C1 level, you use 'seçim' with high precision. You can discuss the 'meşruiyet' (legitimacy) of a 'seçim' or the 'etik seçimler' (ethical choices) faced by professionals. You understand subtle puns or metaphors involving the word in Turkish media and literature. You can use it to describe complex psychological states, such as the 'seçim zorluğu' (difficulty of choosing) in a consumerist society. You are familiar with academic terms like 'rasyonel seçim teorisi' (rational choice theory). Your usage of the word is indistinguishable from a native speaker, including the correct use of stress and intonation in various emotional contexts.
At the C2 level, you have a masterly command of 'seçim'. You can engage in deep philosophical debates about 'irade ve seçim' (will and choice) or 'varoluşçu seçim' (existentialist choice). You can analyze the etymological roots and the historical evolution of the word in the Ottoman and Republican eras. You understand how the word 'seçim' has been used in political slogans and how its meaning can be manipulated in rhetoric. You can write sophisticated essays or give speeches where 'seçim' is a central theme, using it to weave together personal, political, and universal narratives with perfect grammatical accuracy and stylistic flair.

seçim em 30 segundos

  • Seçim is the Turkish word for 'choice' or 'election', derived from the verb 'seçmek' (to choose).
  • It is used for daily personal decisions (e.g., 'Bu benim seçimim') and national political events (e.g., 'Genel seçim').
  • Commonly paired with 'yapmak' to mean 'to make a choice'.
  • Distinguish it from 'seçenek' (option) and 'tercih' (preference) for more natural Turkish.

The Turkish word seçim is a fundamental noun derived from the verb seçmek, which means 'to choose' or 'to select'. In its most basic sense, it refers to the act of picking one thing out of several possibilities. This can range from choosing a flavor of ice cream to making a major life decision. However, its most prominent usage in public discourse relates to politics, where it translates specifically to 'election'. Understanding this word requires recognizing that Turkish often uses the same root for both personal preferences and grand democratic processes. When you enter a shop, you make a seçim; when a nation goes to the ballot box, they are also participating in a seçim.

Individual Choice
This refers to the personal agency of selecting an option. For example, 'Bu senin seçimin' means 'This is your choice'. It emphasizes personal responsibility and freedom.
Political Election
In a formal context, it refers to the voting process to select political representatives. Phrases like 'genel seçim' (general election) or 'yerel seçim' (local election) are ubiquitous in Turkish media.

Hayatımız yaptığımız seçimlerin bir toplamıdır.

Translation: Our life is a total of the choices we make.

The word carries a weight of agency. Unlike 'kısmet' (fate) or 'şans' (luck), a seçim implies that the subject had alternatives and actively picked one. In daily conversation, it is often paired with the verb 'yapmak' (to do/make), resulting in the compound 'seçim yapmak' (to make a choice). In more formal or political settings, you might hear 'seçime gitmek' (to go to an election/to hold an election). It is important to note that the word follows standard Turkish vowel harmony and consonant mutation rules; for instance, when adding a suffix starting with a vowel, the 'm' remains, but if it were a different ending, it might change. Here, 'seçim' is stable.

Gelecek ay ülkede genel seçim yapılacak.

Translation: General elections will be held in the country next month.
Register and Tone
The word is neutral. It is used by children choosing a toy, and by professors discussing democratic theory. Its versatility is its greatest strength in the Turkish lexicon.

Using seçim correctly involves understanding its grammatical role as a noun and the common verbs it associates with. The most frequent pairing is with 'yapmak' (to make). In Turkish, you don't 'take' a choice; you 'make' or 'do' a choice. For example, 'Bir seçim yapmalısın' (You must make a choice). This structure is essential for A2 learners to master. Furthermore, the word often takes possessive suffixes to indicate whose choice it is: 'Benim seçimim' (My choice), 'Senin seçimin' (Your choice), 'Onun seçimi' (His/her/its choice). Notice how the possessive suffix attaches directly to the end of the word.

Bu, hayatımdaki en zor seçimdi.

Translation: This was the hardest choice in my life.

In political contexts, 'seçim' often appears in the plural: 'seçimler'. While English says 'The election is tomorrow', Turkish speakers might say 'Seçimler yarın' (The elections are tomorrow), even if it's just one voting event. It also acts as a modifier in noun compounds. For instance, 'seçim sandığı' (ballot box), 'seçim kampanyası' (election campaign), and 'seçim sonuçları' (election results). In these cases, the second word takes the third-person possessive suffix (-ı, -i, -u, -ü) to complete the compound. This is a vital pattern for intermediate students to recognize.

Common Noun Compounds
1. Seçim barajı (Election threshold)
2. Seçim bölgesi (Electoral district)
3. Seçim vaadi (Election promise)

When expressing 'by choice' or 'voluntarily', Turkish uses the phrase 'kendi seçimiyle' or simply 'isteyerek'. However, to say 'I have no choice', you would say 'Seçim şansım yok' (I have no chance of choice) or 'Başka seçeneğim yok' (I have no other option). The nuance between 'seçim' and 'seçenek' is subtle but important; 'seçim' is the act or the result, while 'seçenek' is the item you can choose from. If you have three options (seçenek), you must make one choice (seçim).

Hangi seçimi yaparsan yap, arkandayım.

Translation: Whatever choice you make, I am behind you.

You will encounter seçim in a variety of real-world settings in Turkey. The most common place is on the news. Turkey has a very active political culture, and discussions about the next 'seçim' are a staple of daily life, even years before the actual date. You will see it on headlines, hear it in coffeehouse debates, and see it on posters during campaign seasons. In these contexts, it is almost always followed by terms like 'ittifak' (alliance) or 'oy' (vote).

In the News
'Erken seçim' (early election) is a very common phrase in Turkish politics. It refers to an election held before the scheduled date. You will hear journalists analyzing 'seçim anketleri' (election polls).
In Education
Students hear this word when picking their 'seçmeli dersler' (elective courses). Teachers might say, 'Bu senin seçimin, hangi bölümü okumak istiyorsun?' (This is your choice, which department do you want to study in?).

Televizyonda seçim özel programı var.

Translation: There is an election special program on television.

In a consumer context, you might hear it at a clothing store or a restaurant. A waiter might ask, 'Seçiminiz nedir?' (What is your choice/selection?). While 'Ne alırdınız?' (What would you take?) is more common for ordering, 'seçim' is used when there's a specific set of options to choose from, like a fixed menu. In professional settings, human resources departments talk about 'personel seçimi' (personnel selection/recruitment). Here, it refers to the process of filtering through candidates to find the right fit for a job.

Finally, in literature and cinema, 'seçim' is a recurring theme. Existentialist Turkish authors often write about the 'zor seçimler' (difficult choices) that define a character's destiny. In movies, a dramatic moment might hinge on a 'hayatî seçim' (vital choice). Whether it's a mundane daily task or a life-altering decision, the word 'seçim' is the vehicle through which Turkish speakers express the concept of choosing.

One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make is confusing seçim with tercih. While both relate to choosing, 'tercih' means 'preference'. If you like tea more than coffee, that is your 'tercih'. If you actually pick the tea from a menu, that is your 'seçim'. You 'tercih etmek' (prefer) something, but you 'seçim yapmak' (make a choice). Using 'seçim' when you mean 'preference' can sound a bit mechanical or overly formal in casual conversation.

Seçim vs. Seçenek
Another common error is using 'seçim' when 'seçenek' (option/alternative) is required. For example, saying 'Üç seçimim var' (I have three choices) is often a mistranslation of 'I have three options'. In Turkish, you should say 'Üç seçeneğim var'. 'Seçim' is the act of choosing; 'seçenek' is the thing that can be chosen.

Yanlış: Çok seçimim yok. (I don't have many choices - meaning options)
Doğru: Çok seçeneğim yok. (I don't have many options.)

Grammatically, learners often forget the possessive suffix when using 'seçim' to mean 'my/your choice'. In English, we say 'It's my choice'. In Turkish, it's not just 'Benim seçim', it must be 'Benim seçimim'. The possessive marker is mandatory. Also, be careful with the plural. While 'seçimler' is used for political elections, using it for personal choices can sometimes sound like you are talking about multiple distinct events of choosing, rather than the variety of things you chose.

Finally, avoid using 'seçim' to mean 'selection' in the sense of a 'collection' (like a selection of cheeses). For a collection or assortment, Turkish uses 'seçki' or 'yelpaze'. For example, a 'selection of poems' is 'şiir seçkisi'. Using 'seçim' there would imply the act of choosing the poems, rather than the resulting book itself.

To enrich your Turkish vocabulary, it is helpful to look at words related to seçim. The most direct relative is the verb seçmek (to choose). From this same root, we get seçkin (elite/distinguished - literally 'selected' or 'picked out'), seçmen (voter), and seçmeli (elective). Understanding the 'seç-' root allows you to decipher many related terms in politics and daily life.

Seçim vs. Tercih
As mentioned, 'tercih' is 'preference'. Use 'tercih' when discussing what you like better. 'Kahve tercihimdir' (Coffee is my preference). Use 'seçim' for the actual act. 'Kahve seçimi yaptım' (I made a coffee choice).
Seçim vs. Karar
'Karar' means 'decision'. While every choice is a decision, 'karar' is broader. You can make a decision to stop smoking (karar), but you make a choice between two brands of cigarettes (seçim).

Bu zor bir karar ama doğru seçimi yaptığıma inanıyorum.

Translation: This is a difficult decision, but I believe I made the right choice.

Other alternatives include opsiyon (option), which is a loanword from French used mostly in technical or business contexts (e.g., 'ödeme opsiyonları' - payment options). Alternatif (alternative) is also common. In a more poetic or old-fashioned sense, you might encounter ihtiyar (not to be confused with 'old man'), which comes from Arabic and refers to 'will' or 'choice', though this is rare in modern daily speech. For 'voting', the word oylama is used, which specifically refers to the process of casting votes, whereas 'seçim' is the broader event.

In summary, while 'seçim' is your go-to word for 'choice' and 'election', being aware of 'tercih', 'karar', and 'seçenek' will help you sound more like a native speaker. Each word carves out a specific niche of the decision-making process, allowing for precise expression in Turkish.

How Formal Is It?

Curiosidade

The root 'seç-' is also related to 'seçkin', which means elite. This implies that in the Turkish worldview, that which is selected is inherently distinguished or higher in quality.

Guia de pronúncia

UK /seˈt͡ʃim/
US /seˈt͡ʃim/
Last syllable (se-ÇİM).
Rima com
geçim (livelihood) biçim (shape/form) içim (a drink/sip) niçin (why) elçim (my handful) perçim (rivet) verim (yield) terim (term)
Erros comuns
  • Pronouncing 'ç' as 's' or 'k'. It must be a 'ch' sound.
  • Stressing the first syllable (SE-çim) instead of the last.
  • Pronouncing the Turkish 'i' like the English 'i' in 'sit' (it should be more like 'ee').
  • Confusing 'seçim' with 'seçme' (the act of choosing).
  • Adding an extra vowel between 'ç' and 'm'.

Nível de dificuldade

Leitura 2/5

Easy to recognize in texts due to its frequent appearance in news and simple structure.

Escrita 3/5

Requires understanding of possessive suffixes and noun compounds.

Expressão oral 3/5

The 'ç' sound and last-syllable stress can be tricky for beginners.

Audição 2/5

Clear pronunciation usually makes it easy to pick out in speech.

Exemplos por nível

1

Bu benim seçimim.

This is my choice.

Possessive suffix -im added to seçim.

2

Hangi seçim daha iyi?

Which choice is better?

Interrogative 'hangi' used with 'seçim'.

3

Senin seçimin ne?

What is your choice?

Possessive suffix -in added to seçim.

4

Güzel bir seçim.

A beautiful choice.

Adjective 'güzel' modifying 'seçim'.

5

Bu zor bir seçim.

This is a hard choice.

Adjective 'zor' modifying 'seçim'.

6

Elma mı, armut mu? Seçim senin.

Apple or pear? The choice is yours.

The phrase 'seçim senin' is a common idiom.

7

Onun seçimi kırmızı.

His choice is red.

Third person possessive 'seçimi'.

8

İlk seçimim bu.

This is my first choice.

Ordinal number 'ilk' used as a modifier.

1

Bugün bir seçim yapmam lazım.

I need to make a choice today.

Compound verb 'seçim yapmak'.

2

Seçim sonuçları açıklandı mı?

Have the election results been announced?

Noun compound 'seçim sonuçları'.

3

Yarın ülkede seçim var.

There is an election in the country tomorrow.

Usage of 'var' (there is) with 'seçim'.

4

Hangi yemeği seçtin? İyi bir seçim.

Which food did you choose? A good choice.

Contrast between verb 'seçtin' and noun 'seçim'.

5

Bu okul için doğru seçim.

This is the right choice for the school.

Dative case 'için' used with 'seçim'.

6

Seçim yapmak her zaman kolay değildir.

Making a choice is not always easy.

Infinitive 'yapmak' as part of the subject.

7

Onlar yeni bir seçim istiyor.

They want a new election.

Accusative case is not used here because it's indefinite.

8

Seçimini hemen yapmalısın.

You must make your choice immediately.

Possessive + Accusative: seçim-in-i.

1

Kariyer seçimi hayatımızı etkiler.

Career choice affects our lives.

Noun compound 'kariyer seçimi'.

2

Seçim kampanyası çok hareketli geçiyor.

The election campaign is very active.

Noun compound 'seçim kampanyası'.

3

Yanlış seçimler bize tecrübe kazandırır.

Wrong choices give us experience.

Plural 'seçimler' as subject.

4

Belediye seçimi için oy kullandım.

I voted for the municipal election.

Compound 'belediye seçimi'.

5

Bu iki seçenek arasında bir seçim yapmalısın.

You must make a choice between these two options.

Distinction between 'seçenek' and 'seçim'.

6

Seçim süreci oldukça şeffaf yönetildi.

The election process was managed quite transparently.

Noun compound 'seçim süreci'.

7

Onun meslek seçimi herkesi şaşırttı.

His choice of profession surprised everyone.

Compound 'meslek seçimi'.

8

Seçimden sonra ekonomi düzelebilir.

After the election, the economy might improve.

Ablative case 'seçimden' (after the election).

1

Demokratik toplumlarda seçim hayati bir önem taşır.

In democratic societies, elections carry vital importance.

Abstract usage of 'seçim'.

2

Seçim barajı tartışmaları yeniden başladı.

Discussions about the election threshold have started again.

Complex noun compound 'seçim barajı tartışmaları'.

3

Bireysel seçimler toplumsal değişimi tetikler.

Individual choices trigger social change.

Adjective 'bireysel' modifying 'seçimler'.

4

Hükümet erken seçim kararı aldı.

The government took the decision for an early election.

Phrase 'erken seçim kararı'.

5

Seçim hileleri hakkında ciddi iddialar var.

There are serious allegations about election fraud.

Noun compound 'seçim hileleri'.

6

Bu kitap, ahlaki seçimler üzerine odaklanıyor.

This book focuses on moral choices.

Dative compound 'seçimler üzerine'.

7

Seçim sisteminin değiştirilmesi gündemde.

Changing the election system is on the agenda.

Genitive compound 'seçim sisteminin'.

8

Seçimini yaparken mantığını kullanmalısın.

You should use your logic while making your choice.

Adverbial 'yaparken' (while making).

1

Seçimlerin meşruiyeti uluslararası gözlemcilerce onaylandı.

The legitimacy of the elections was confirmed by international observers.

Genitive 'seçimlerin' with 'meşruiyeti'.

2

Varoluşçu felsefeye göre insan, seçimlerinden ibarettir.

According to existentialist philosophy, man consists of his choices.

Ablative 'seçimlerinden' with 'ibaret'.

3

Seçim vaatlerinin ne kadarı gerçekleştirildi?

How many of the election promises were fulfilled?

Compound 'seçim vaatleri'.

4

Tüketici seçimleri pazar dinamiklerini belirler.

Consumer choices determine market dynamics.

Compound 'tüketici seçimleri'.

5

Seçim yorgunluğu seçmen katılımını düşürebilir.

Election fatigue can lower voter turnout.

Compound 'seçim yorgunluğu'.

6

Stratejik bir seçim yaparak rakiplerini eledi.

He eliminated his rivals by making a strategic choice.

Adverbial 'yaparak' (by making).

7

Seçim ittifakları siyasi dengeleri altüst etti.

Election alliances upended the political balance.

Compound 'seçim ittifakları'.

8

Bu, rasyonel bir seçimden ziyade duygusal bir tepkiydi.

This was an emotional reaction rather than a rational choice.

Comparison 'seçimden ziyade'.

1

Siyasal iktidarın devri, adil ve şeffaf bir seçimle mümkündür.

The transfer of political power is possible through a fair and transparent election.

Instrumental case 'seçimle' (with/through election).

2

Seçim hakkı, modern demokrasilerin vazgeçilmez bir rüknüdür.

The right to vote is an indispensable pillar of modern democracies.

Compound 'seçim hakkı'.

3

Kader ve seçim arasındaki ince çizgi edebiyatın ana temasıdır.

The thin line between fate and choice is the main theme of literature.

Comparison between 'kader' and 'seçim'.

4

Seçim manipülasyonu, toplumsal iradenin tecellisini engeller.

Election manipulation prevents the manifestation of the social will.

Abstract compound 'seçim manipülasyonu'.

5

Bireyin seçim özgürlüğü, devletin bekasıyla çatışabilir.

An individual's freedom of choice may conflict with the survival of the state.

Compound 'seçim özgürlüğü'.

6

Seçim sath-ı mailine girildiğinde siyasi söylemler sertleşir.

When the election period starts, political rhetoric hardens.

Idiomatic phrase 'seçim sath-ı maili'.

7

Seçim sandığına yansıyan irade, halkın gerçek sesidir.

The will reflected in the ballot box is the true voice of the people.

Participle 'yansıyan' modifying 'irade'.

8

Hayat, her an yeni bir seçim yapma zorunluluğudur.

Life is the necessity of making a new choice at every moment.

Infinitive 'yapma' as a noun modifier.

Colocações comuns

seçim yapmak
genel seçim
yerel seçim
seçim sonuçları
seçim sandığı
doğru seçim
zor seçim
seçim barajı
seçim vaadi
seçim yasası

Frases Comuns

Seçim senin.

— It is up to you to decide.

İster gel ister gelme, seçim senin.

Seçim yapmak.

— To choose or to make a decision between options.

Hangi arabayı alacağına dair bir seçim yap.

Erken seçim.

— An election held earlier than scheduled.

Muhalefet erken seçim istiyor.

Seçim havası.

— The atmosphere or mood leading up to an election.

Ülke yavaş yavaş seçim havasına giriyor.

Seçim beyannamesi.

— A political party's election manifesto.

Parti, seçim beyannamesini dün açıkladı.

Kendi seçimi.

— His/her own choice, emphasizing personal responsibility.

Bu onun kendi seçimi, biz karışamayız.

Seçim bölgesi.

— Electoral district.

Kendi seçim bölgesinde çok seviliyor.

Seçim pusulası.

— The ballot paper used in voting.

Seçim pusulasına mührü bastı.

Seçim güvenliği.

— The security and integrity of the election process.

Seçim güvenliği en önemli konudur.

Seçim yatırımı.

— Policies or projects done just to win votes.

Bu köprü sadece bir seçim yatırımı.

Expressões idiomáticas

"Seçim sath-ı mailine girmek"

— To enter the final, inevitable slope toward an election.

Ülke artık seçim sath-ı mailine girdi.

Formal/Political
"Seçimini yapmak"

— To finally decide after a period of hesitation.

Artık seçimini yap ve yola çıkalım.

Neutral
"Sandıktan çıkmak"

— To be elected (literally 'to come out of the ballot box').

Bakalım sandıktan kim çıkacak?

Colloquial/Political
"Seçim barajına takılmak"

— To fail to pass the minimum percentage of votes required for parliament.

Küçük partiler seçim barajına takılabilir.

Formal/Political
"Seçim ekonomisi"

— Increasing government spending to please voters before an election.

Seçim ekonomisi enflasyonu artırabilir.

Formal/Economic
"Oyunun rengini belli etmek"

— To show which way one will vote or choose.

Henüz oyunun rengini belli etmedi.

Neutral
"Sandığa gitmek"

— To go and vote.

Halk pazar günü sandığa gidecek.

Neutral
"Seçim maratonu"

— A long and tiring election campaign period.

Zorlu bir seçim maratonu başlıyor.

Journalistic
"Seçim rüşveti"

— Bribing voters before an election (often metaphorical).

Bu vaatler resmen seçim rüşveti.

Informal/Critical
"Seçim heyecanı"

— The excitement or tension of an election night.

Tüm Türkiye'de seçim heyecanı var.

Neutral

Família de palavras

Substantivos

seçmen (voter)
seçenek (option)
seçki (anthology)
seçicilik (selectivity)

Verbos

seçmek (to choose)
seçilmek (to be chosen)
seçtirmek (to make someone choose)

Adjetivos

seçkin (elite)
seçmeli (elective)
seçici (selective)
seçilmiş (chosen)

Relacionado

oy (vote)
sandık (ballot box)
aday (candidate)
parti (party)
meclis (parliament)

Memorize

Mnemônico

Think of 'SE-CHIM'. It sounds a bit like 'Select-Him'. When you make a 'seçim' in an election, you 'select him' (or her) to lead.

Associação visual

Imagine a person standing in front of two doors (choices) or a person putting a paper into a wooden box (election). Both are 'seçim'.

Word Web

seçmek seçenek seçmen seçim sandığı oy karar tercih seçkin

Desafio

Try to use 'seçim' in three different sentences today: one about food, one about a hobby, and one about a news event.

Origem da palavra

Derived from the Old Turkic root 'seç-' meaning to separate, distinguish, or select.

Significado original: The act of distinguishing one thing from another to pick it.

Turkic

Contexto cultural

Political elections can be a sensitive topic in Turkey. When using the word 'seçim' in a political context, be aware of the polarized climate and use it neutrally unless you know your audience well.

English speakers might find it strange that one word covers both 'choice' and 'election', whereas English often distinguishes them. In English, 'election' is almost exclusively political.

The song 'Zor Seçim' (Hard Choice) by various Turkish pop artists. Siyasi seçimler (Political elections) which are a constant topic of Turkish satire. The phrase 'Halkın seçimi' (The people's choice) used in award ceremonies.
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