siz
siz em 30 segundos
- Siz is the Turkish pronoun for 'you' (plural/formal).
- It is used for groups of people or showing respect to individuals.
- It requires specific verb suffixes like -siniz or -sunuz.
- It changes forms in different cases: sizi, size, sizde, sizden, sizin.
The Turkish word siz is a foundational pillar of the Turkish language, serving a dual purpose that is essential for any English speaker to master. Primarily, it functions as the second-person plural pronoun, equivalent to the English 'you all,' 'y'all,' or 'you guys.' However, its second and perhaps more socially significant role is as the formal second-person singular pronoun. In Turkish culture, the distinction between the informal 'sen' (you singular) and the formal 'siz' is a critical marker of social hierarchy, respect, and distance. Using siz correctly is not just a matter of grammar; it is a matter of etiquette and 'edep' (manners).
- Plurality
- In its simplest form, 'siz' is used whenever you are addressing more than one person, regardless of your relationship with them. Whether they are your best friends or total strangers, if there are two or more, 'siz' is the required pronoun.
- Formality
- When addressing a single person whom you do not know well, a superior at work, a teacher, or someone significantly older than you, 'siz' is used to show respect. This is similar to the French 'vous' or the German 'Sie'.
- Social Distance
- 'Siz' creates a professional or respectful buffer. Reverting to 'sen' prematurely can be perceived as overly familiar or even rude in certain Turkish social contexts.
Affedersiniz, siz buralı mısınız? (Excuse me, are you from around here? - Addressing a stranger formally.)
Çocuklar, siz ne yapıyorsunuz? (Children, what are you doing? - Addressing a group.)
In Turkish business environments, colleagues often use 'siz' with one another for years unless a mutual agreement to switch to 'sen' is reached. This transition is often initiated by the person of higher status or the elder person. Even in modern, Westernized parts of Turkey, 'siz' remains the standard for service interactions, such as speaking to a waiter, a shopkeeper, or a taxi driver. Using 'sen' in these situations can sometimes sound condescending. Furthermore, 'siz' is the gateway to using the correct verb endings; in Turkish, the verb must agree with the pronoun, so using 'siz' requires the '-siniz', '-sunuz', '-sünüz', or '-sanız' suffixes depending on vowel harmony.
Using siz involves more than just dropping the word into a sentence. Because Turkish is an agglutinative language, the pronoun 'siz' undergoes various transformations when it takes on different grammatical cases. Understanding these cases is crucial for expressing movement, possession, and direct action.
- Nominative (Subject)
- 'Siz' acts as the subject. Example: 'Siz geliyorsunuz' (You are coming).
- Accusative (Direct Object)
- 'Sizi' is used when 'you' is the direct object. Example: 'Sizi seviyorum' (I love you [plural/formal]).
- Dative (Direction/To)
- 'Size' indicates direction or the recipient. Example: 'Size bir hediye aldım' (I bought a gift for you).
- Locative (Location/At)
- 'Sizde' means 'at your place' or 'on you'. Example: 'Anahtar sizde mi?' (Is the key with you?).
- Ablative (From)
- 'Sizden' means 'from you'. Example: 'Sizden bir ricam var' (I have a request from you).
- Genitive (Possessive)
- 'Sizin' means 'your'. Example: 'Sizin adınız ne?' (What is your name? [formal]).
Dün akşam sizi parkta gördüm. (I saw you in the park yesterday.)
Bu kitap sizden mi geldi? (Did this book come from you?)
When using 'siz' as a formal singular, the verb always takes the plural ending. For example, 'Siz nasılsınız?' (How are you?) uses the suffix '-sınız', which is the plural marker for the second person. This can be confusing for English speakers who are used to 'you' being both singular and plural without verb changes, but in Turkish, the agreement is strict. Even if you are talking to one person, if you use 'siz', you must treat them grammatically as a group. This 'plurality of respect' is common in many languages but is particularly rigid in Turkish formal discourse.
You will encounter siz in almost every corner of Turkish life, but the context dictates its weight. In a bustling Istanbul bazaar, a shopkeeper might call out to a group of tourists using 'siz' to get their attention. In a quiet office in Ankara, a junior architect will use 'siz' to address their senior partner. Understanding these environments helps you navigate Turkish society with grace.
- The Service Industry
- Waiters, hotel staff, and flight attendants will almost exclusively use 'siz' when addressing customers. 'Siz ne alırdınız?' (What would you like to have?) is a standard phrase.
- Educational Settings
- Students of all ages use 'siz' for their teachers. Even university students, who might be close in age to their teaching assistants, will maintain this formal distance as a sign of respect for the academic hierarchy.
- Public Announcements
- On the metro or at the airport, announcements will use 'siz' to address the public. 'Lütfen kapılardan uzak durunuz' (Please stand back from the doors) implies a 'siz' subject.
Sayın yolcularımız, sizlere iyi yolculuklar dileriz. (Dear passengers, we wish you a pleasant journey.)
Buyurun, siz önce geçin. (Go ahead, you go first - formal/polite.)
In television and film, 'siz' is used to establish the relationship between characters instantly. If a character suddenly switches from 'siz' to 'sen', it signals a dramatic shift—either they have become very close, or one is being intentionally insulting by dropping the required formality. In political speeches, 'siz' is used to address the 'millet' (nation), often expanded to 'sizler' for extra rhetorical weight. Listening for the use of 'siz' in Turkish dramas is an excellent way to understand the subtle power dynamics at play between characters.
For English speakers, the most common pitfall is the inconsistent use of 'siz' and its corresponding verb endings. Because English 'you' doesn't change, learners often forget that 'siz' requires a specific plural verb suffix. Another major mistake is the 'Formality Mismatch,' where a learner might use 'siz' as a pronoun but then use an informal verb, or vice versa.
- Suffix Inconsistency
- Incorrect: 'Siz ne yapıyorsun?' (Mixing 'siz' with the singular 'sen' ending '-sun'). Correct: 'Siz ne yapıyorsunuz?'
- Premature Informalization
- Using 'sen' with someone you've just met or someone in a position of authority. This can make you seem uneducated or rude, even if your Turkish is otherwise good.
- Confusing 'Siz' and 'Sizler'
- While 'siz' is plural, 'sizler' is an even more emphatic plural often used in formal speeches. Using 'sizler' in a casual conversation with two friends sounds unnaturally stiff.
Wrong: Siz gel. (You come - mixing formal pronoun with informal command.) Correct: Siz gelin.
Another mistake is overusing the pronoun itself. Turkish is a 'pro-drop' language, meaning the subject is usually clear from the verb ending. If you say 'Nasılsınız?' the 'siz' is already implied. Constantly saying 'Siz nasılsınız?', 'Siz neredesiniz?', 'Siz ne yapıyorsunuz?' can sound repetitive and slightly aggressive to native ears. Use 'siz' primarily for emphasis, to contrast with someone else, or when starting a new topic of conversation. Mastering the balance of when to drop 'siz' and when to keep it is a sign of an advanced learner.
While siz is the standard formal and plural 'you,' Turkish has several other ways to address people depending on the level of respect or the specific context. Understanding these alternatives will help you sound more like a native speaker and navigate complex social situations.
- Sen
- The informal 'you' (singular). Used for friends, family, children, and animals. It is the direct opposite of 'siz' in terms of formality.
- Sizler
- The 'double plural.' It emphasizes that you are addressing a group. Frequently used in speeches: 'Sizler bu ülkenin geleceğisiniz' (You all are the future of this country).
- Zatıaliniz
- An extremely formal, archaic term meaning 'Your Excellency' or 'Your Noble Self.' It is rarely used today except in very traditional settings or ironically.
- Beyefendi / Hanımefendi
- Literally 'Mr. Gentleman' and 'Mrs. Lady.' Often used as a vocative instead of 'siz' to be even more polite. 'Beyefendi, bakar mısınız?' (Gentleman, could you look here?).
Comparison:
- Sen nasılsın? (Casual)
- Siz nasılsınız? (Standard Formal)
- Sizler nasılsınız? (Formal Group Address)
In many cases, Turks prefer using a title + 'siz' combination. For example, addressing a doctor as 'Doktor Bey' or 'Doktor Hanım' while using 'siz' verb endings. This is the gold standard of Turkish politeness. If you are in a professional setting, don't just use 'siz'; combine it with the appropriate title to show you understand the cultural nuances of respect. For example, 'Müdür Bey, siz ne dersiniz?' (Mr. Manager, what do you say?). This sounds much more natural and respectful than just using the pronoun alone.
How Formal Is It?
Curiosidade
The ancient plural suffix '-z' is also seen in 'biz' (we), which comes from 'bi' (I) + 'z'.
Guia de pronúncia
- Pronouncing the 'i' like the English 'i' in 'sit' (which in Turkish is the dotless 'ı').
- Making the 's' sound like a 'z' at the end.
Nível de dificuldade
Very easy to recognize in text.
Must remember the correct case endings and verb agreement.
Requires social awareness to choose between 'sen' and 'siz'.
Easy to hear, but suffixes can fly by quickly.
O que aprender depois
Pré-requisitos
Aprenda a seguir
Avançado
Gramática essencial
Personal Endings
Siz gel-iyor-sunuz.
Vowel Harmony in Suffixes
Siz-siniz vs. Siz-den.
Genitive-Possessive Agreement
Sizin ev-iniz.
Pro-drop Subject
(Siz) Nasılsınız?
Case Suffixes
Siz-i, Siz-e, Siz-de, Siz-den.
Exemplos por nível
Siz nasılsınız?
How are you? (formal/plural)
Uses the -sınız suffix for the 'siz' subject.
Siz öğrenci misiniz?
Are you a student? (formal/plural)
Question form with the 'siz' personal ending.
Siz nerelisiniz?
Where are you from? (formal/plural)
Inquiring about origin using the formal 'you'.
Siz çay içiyor musunuz?
Are you drinking tea?
Present continuous question for 'siz'.
Siz çok iyisiniz.
You are very kind/good.
Adjective + personal ending for 'siz'.
Siz burada mı oturuyorsunuz?
Do you live here?
Locative case + present continuous.
Siz Türkçe biliyor musunuz?
Do you know Turkish?
Standard 'siz' question.
Siz kimsiniz?
Who are you?
Interrogative 'who' with 'siz' ending.
Sizi yarın arayacağım.
I will call you tomorrow.
Accusative case: 'sizi'.
Bu çiçekler size.
These flowers are for you.
Dative case: 'size'.
Sizin kaleminiz bende.
I have your pen.
Genitive case: 'sizin'.
Sizden bir şey rica edebilir miyim?
Can I request something from you?
Ablative case: 'sizden'.
Sizde sözlük var mı?
Do you have a dictionary?
Locative case: 'sizde'.
Sizinle tanıştığıma memnun oldum.
I am pleased to have met you.
Comitative: 'sizinle' (with you).
Sizi çok iyi anlıyorum.
I understand you very well.
Accusative object with 'anlamak'.
Sizin için ne yapabilirim?
What can I do for you?
Genitive followed by 'için' (for).
Lütfen siz de görüşlerinizi bildirin.
Please, you too share your opinions.
Formal imperative/request.
Sizleri ağırlamaktan onur duyduk.
We were honored to host you all.
Plural accusative 'sizleri' for emphasis.
Sizce bu karar doğru mu?
In your opinion, is this decision correct?
The '-ce' suffix meaning 'according to/opinion'.
Siz gelmeden önce hazırlıkları bitirmeliyiz.
We must finish the preparations before you arrive.
Converb '-meden önce' with 'siz'.
Sizin sayenizde başardık.
We succeeded thanks to you.
Possessive 'sizin' + 'sayenizde'.
Size haber vermeyi unutmuşum.
I seem to have forgotten to inform you.
Dative with 'haber vermek'.
Siz isterseniz her şeyi yapabilirsiniz.
If you want, you can do anything.
Conditional 'isterseniz' with 'siz'.
Sizi daha önce bir yerde görmüş gibiyim.
I feel like I've seen you somewhere before.
Accusative with 'görmek'.
Siz de takdir edersiniz ki bu zor bir süreç.
You will also appreciate that this is a difficult process.
Formal rhetoric.
Sizinle bu konuyu detaylıca görüşmek isterim.
I would like to discuss this matter with you in detail.
Formal 'isterim' with 'sizinle'.
Sizi bu konuda uyarmak zorundayım.
I am obliged to warn you about this.
Formal obligation.
Siz ne derseniz o olsun.
Let it be whatever you say.
Subjunctive/Imperative nuance.
Sizden gelen her türlü öneriye açığız.
We are open to any suggestions coming from you.
Ablative participle phrase.
Sizin gibi değerli bir insanla çalışmak büyük bir zevk.
It is a great pleasure to work with a valuable person like you.
Comparison 'gibi' with 'sizin'.
Sizleri daha yakından tanımak istiyoruz.
We want to get to know you all more closely.
Emphatic plural 'sizleri'.
Sizin de bildiğiniz üzere toplantı ertelendi.
As you also know, the meeting has been postponed.
Formal 'as you know' structure.
Sizlerin desteği olmasaydı bu projeyi bitiremezdik.
Had it not been for your support, we couldn't have finished this project.
Unreal conditional with plural 'sizlerin'.
Sizleri tenzih ederek söylüyorum ki durum vahim.
Excluding you from this (not referring to you), I say the situation is grave.
Formal idiom 'tenzih etmek'.
Sizin bu konudaki yetkinliğiniz tartışılmaz.
Your competence in this matter is indisputable.
High-level vocabulary 'yetkinlik'.
Sizce de bu tavır biraz yakışıksız değil mi?
Don't you also think this attitude is a bit inappropriate?
Rhetorical question 'sizce de'.
Sizden sadır olan her kelime bizim için kıymetlidir.
Every word emanating from you is precious to us.
Archaic/Formal 'sadır olmak'.
Sizi bu makama layık görenleri mahcup etmeyiniz.
Do not embarrass those who deemed you worthy of this position.
Formal imperative '-iniz'.
Sizinle olan hukukumuz çok eskiye dayanır.
Our relationship/legal bond with you dates back a long way.
Abstract noun 'hukuk' meaning relationship.
Sizleri bu kutlu yolda yalnız bırakmayacağız.
We will not leave you all alone on this blessed path.
Rhetorical 'sizleri' and 'kutlu'.
Sizlerin engin tecrübelerinden istifade etmek isteriz.
We would like to benefit from your vast experiences.
Sophisticated 'istifade etmek'.
Siz ki bu davanın öncüsüsünüz, nasıl geri durursunuz?
You, who are the pioneer of this cause, how can you stand back?
Relative 'ki' clause for emphasis.
Sizin bu mütebessim çehreniz bize umut veriyor.
This smiling face of yours gives us hope.
Archaic 'mütebessim çehre'.
Sizden mülhem bu eser, sanat dünyasında çığır açacak.
This work, inspired by you, will break new ground in the art world.
Arabic-origin 'mülhem' (inspired).
Sizleri bizzat müşahede etmek benim için bir şereftir.
It is an honor for me to observe you all in person.
Formal 'müşahede etmek'.
Sizin nezdinizde tüm kuruma teşekkürlerimi sunarım.
I offer my thanks to the entire institution in your presence.
Formal 'nezdinizde'.
Sizlerin de malumu olduğu üzere, şartlar değişti.
As is also known to you all, the conditions have changed.
C2 level 'malumu olduğu üzere'.
Sizi bu denli kederli görmek bizi de müteessir etti.
Seeing you so sorrowful has also made us sad.
High-register 'müteessir'.
Colocações comuns
Frases Comuns
— It's up to you / As you wish. Used when you yield to someone's decision.
Daha fazla bekleyemem. - Siz bilirsiniz.
— What would you like to have? Standard phrase used by waiters.
Hoş geldiniz, siz ne alırdınız?
— You're welcome / Thank you too. A polite response to being thanked.
Elinize sağlık. - Siz sağ olun.
— Don't you trouble yourself. Used when you don't want someone to go out of their way.
Ben taşırım, siz zahmet etmeyin.
— How are your folks/family? 'Sizinkiler' refers to the people associated with 'you'.
Selam söyle, sizinkiler nasıl?
— Don't you think so too? Used to seek agreement formally.
Hava çok güzel, sizce de öyle değil mi?
— One should be afraid of you! (Usually said jokingly when someone is very clever).
Hemen çözdün işi, sizden korkulur!
— You too? Used when discovering a shared situation.
Ben de oraya gidiyorum. - Siz de mi?
— After you / Please go ahead. Used at doors or when offering a seat.
Asansör geldi, siz buyurun.
Expressões idiomáticas
— To be on formal terms with each other. Using 'siz' and 'biz' instead of 'sen' and 'ben'.
Hâlâ sizli bizli konuşuyoruz.
Neutral— To speak formally. Usually implies a lack of intimacy or a professional relationship.
Yeni patronla henüz sizli bizli konuşuyoruz.
Neutral— Used when mentioning someone who has died (literally: long life to you).
Komşumuz geçen hafta vefat etti, sizlere ömür.
Formal/Common— A phrase used before praising someone else to show you still value the listener more.
Sizden iyi olmasın, çok dürüst bir çocuktur.
Colloquial/Polite— Used dismissively, meaning 'you are not enough/capable, bring someone else.'
Bu işi beceremediniz, siz gidin de başkası gelsin.
Informal/Rude— What do you know! (Used to imply the listener lacks taste or knowledge).
Bu sanattır, siz ne anlarsınız!
Informal/Rude— Worthy of you. Used when presenting something nice, like a gift or a meal.
Sizlere layık bir sofra hazırladık.
Polite— Is that what you call work? (Used to belittle someone's effort).
İki saatte bitirdin ama sizinki de iş mi?
Informal— The sin/responsibility is off you now (because you warned them).
Ben söyledim, yapmadı; sizden günah gitti.
Neutral— Used to say 'you and he are totally different/on different levels.'
Onunla yarışamazsın, siz kim, o kim?
InformalPadrões de frases
Siz [Adjective]-siniz.
Siz çok naziksiniz.
Siz [Noun] misiniz?
Siz doktor musunuz?
Sizin [Noun]-iniz [Adjective].
Sizin arabanız çok hızlı.
Sizce [Statement]?
Sizce bu doğru mu?
Sizinle [Verb]mek istiyorum.
Sizinle konuşmak istiyorum.
Família de palavras
Substantivos
Verbos
Adjetivos
Relacionado
Memorize
Mnemônico
Think of 'SIZ' as 'SIZE'. When you talk to a group, they have a larger 'SIZE' than one person. Or, when you are formal, you give them 'SIZE' (space/respect).
Associação visual
Imagine a group of people standing together, and you pointing to them. Or imagine a king on a throne, and you bowing while saying 'siz'.
Word Web
Desafio
Try to spend a whole day in a Turkish shop or restaurant using only 'siz' forms. Notice how the service changes compared to using 'sen'.
Origem da palavra
Derived from Proto-Turkic *si-z. The '-z' was an ancient plural suffix in Turkic languages.
Significado original: You (plural).
TurkicContexto cultural
Never use 'sen' with the police, government officials, or elderly people unless they explicitly ask you to. It is seen as a lack of upbringing (terbiye).
English lost its formal 'thou/you' distinction, using 'you' for everything. Turkish 'siz' restores that distinction, similar to 'thou' vs 'you' in Shakespeare's time.
Pratique na vida real
Contextos reais
At a Restaurant
- Siz ne alırdınız?
- Sizden bir su rica edebilir miyim?
- Hesabı size mi ödüyoruz?
- Sizce ne yemeliyim?
In an Office
- Sizinle tanışmak bir şereftir.
- Siz bu konuda ne düşünüyorsunuz?
- Sizi rahatsız etmek istemem.
- Sizden onay bekliyoruz.
On the Street
- Siz buralı mısınız?
- Sizden yardım isteyebilir miyim?
- Sizi birine benzettim.
- Siz önce geçin.
In a Classroom
- Siz ödevleri yaptınız mı?
- Sizden bir soru sorabilir miyim?
- Sizin dersiniz ne zaman?
- Sizce bu doğru mu?
At a Party
- Siz de mi buradasınız?
- Sizleri arkadaşımla tanıştırayım.
- Siz ne içersiniz?
- Sizden çok bahsettiler.
Iniciadores de conversa
"Siz bu konuda ne düşünüyorsunuz?"
"Siz daha önce buraya gelmiş miydiniz?"
"Siz hangi takımı tutuyorsunuz?"
"Sizce İstanbul nasıl bir şehir?"
"Siz de benimle aynı fikirde misiniz?"
Temas para diário
Bugün kimlere 'siz' diye hitap ettiniz? Neden?
Sizce birine 'siz' demek aradaki samimiyeti azaltır mı?
Yeni tanıştığınız birine 'sen' mi dersiniz yoksa 'siz' mi? Neden?
Sizce Türkçedeki 'siz' kuralı İngilizcede de olmalı mı?
Sizin için en önemli üç değer nedir?
Summary
The word 'siz' is the essential bridge between casual and respectful communication in Turkish. Always use it when addressing a group or when you want to show politeness to a stranger or an elder, and remember to match your verb endings to it.
- Siz is the Turkish pronoun for 'you' (plural/formal).
- It is used for groups of people or showing respect to individuals.
- It requires specific verb suffixes like -siniz or -sunuz.
- It changes forms in different cases: sizi, size, sizde, sizden, sizin.
Conteúdo relacionado
Aprenda no contexto
Esta palavra em outros idiomas
Frases relacionadas
Mais palavras de daily_life
acaba
A2Eu me pergunto se ele vem. (Acaba gelir mi?)
acıkmak
A2Ficar com fome. É a forma padrão de expressar que se quer comer em turco.
ad
A1name
adeta
B1Significa 'quase' ou 'praticamente'. É usado para enfatizar uma comparação. 'Este lugar é praticamente um paraíso.'
adres
A1Endereço é a indicação do local onde alguém mora ou onde um edifício está situado.
aksilik
B1Um contratempo ou um imprevisto. 'Tivemos um pequeno contratempo (aksilik) no aeroporto.'
akış
B1Flow, stream, or course of events
akşam
A1evening
akşamüstü
B1Encontramo-nos ao fim da tarde para um café.
almak
A1to take, to buy