abi
/aːˈbi/
The Turkish phrase for big brother is abi.
abi is a term used to refer to one's older brother or an older male relative. Beyond family, it is used as a term of respect for an older male friend, mentor or authority figure. In some contexts, the phrase Mahalle Abisi (neighborhood big brother) refers to a respected and influential figure who watches over the area.
Which one should you use?
While abi is the common spoken form, ağabey is the formal, written version of the same word.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
abi is frequently used in casual settings as a standalone vocative to address men who are older than the speaker, even if there is no familial relation.
How does it change in a sentence?
You can create the possessive form abim (my big brother) by adding the suffix -im to abi. Additionally, abilerim can be used as an informal way to address a group of older brothers or a close group of friends.
How do you pronounce it?
/aːˈbi/. The /b/ sound is like the [b] in about, and the /i/ sound is like the [ee] in creek.
Did you know?
- Because abi is so versatile, using it too formally with someone much younger might actually come across as sarcastic or condescending.
- While abi is used for brothers, Turkish has a completely different word for an older sister, abla, which follows the same social rules of respect.
- The formal version ağabey contains the letter ğ, which is usually silent or lengthens the previous vowel, explaining why it is pronounced as abi in speech.
Examples in context
- Dün abim yerlilere yardım etmek Fukushima'ya gitti. Ben radyasyon seviyelerindeki artıştan çok korkuyorum.Yesterday my big brother went to Fukushima to help the locals. I'm very afraid of the rise in radiation levels.This sentence shows how to use the possessive form abi when talking about one's brother.Tatoeba #5072216 by duran, translation #4728089 by paper1n0
- Merhaba abi, nasılsın?Hello big brother, how are you?
- Arkadaşlarım benim en sevdiğim abilerim.My friends are my favorite big brothers.
- O, kendisi bizim mahalle abisi.He is our neighborhood big brother.
- Abim eve yeni geldi.My big brother just arrived home.
- Onun abisi çok yardımseverdir.His big brother is very helpful.
Example conversation
Zeynep is talking to Can about his family.
- CanAbim bugün eve geç gelecek.My big brother will come home late today.
- ZeynepNeden geç gelecek?Why will he come home late?
- CanÇünkü abi iş yerinde çok yoğun.Because big brother is very busy at work.
- ZeynepAnladım, kolay gelsin ona.I see, I wish him strength.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry abi, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
