Turkish Respect Words

Learn how to use respect words in Turkish

This tutorial was written by Ömer & Mehmet Sener. If you are interested in authentic uses of language, go to Turkish realia for photos taken in Turkey.

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Respect Words in Turkish

There are respect words that are used in daily life. Instead of addressing a teacher or a professor with siz, students would prefer the word Hocam (which means app. ‘my master’ or ‘my teacher’). Amca, is used to address a male who is older than the speaker. It can also be added to the name of people who are known to the person. In formal situations, the words Bey and Hanım are used after the name. They are also used to address people who are totally unknown to the speaker. In less formal situations, the endings for informal you, sen, can be used, as in the first example.

Ahmet Bey, meşgul müsün? Mr. Ahmet, are you busy?
İpek Hanım, misāfiriniz var. Ms. İpek, you have a visitor/guest.
Merhabā Ömer amca, nasılsın? Hello Ömer, how are you?
Merhabā Hocam, nasılsınız? Hello Professor, how are you?