abla
/abla/from spelling rules
In Turkish, the English phrase "big sister" is abla.
abla refers to a female sibling who is older than the speaker. It is also used as a respectful title for any woman slightly older than the speaker, even if they are not biologically related.
Which one should you use?
While abla refers specifically to an older sister, kız kardeş is the general term for a sister, often implying a younger sister unless specified otherwise.
How does it change in a sentence?
To make abla plural, you add the suffix -lar to get ablalar. Ablam means My big sister. Adding the diminutive suffix -cığım to abla creates an affectionate form used to address a big sister or a close older female friend.
How do you pronounce it?
/abla/. The b sound is like the [b] in the English word "about".
Did you know?
- The word abla likely evolved from an ancient Proto-Turkic root apa which could mean 'mother', 'elder sister' or 'aunt'.
- In some traditional family structures, the abla takes on a maternal role and holds significant authority over younger siblings in the absence of parents.
- The word abla can be used as a standalone vocative to get a woman's attention in a crowded street or market.
Examples in context
- Sami'nin bir ablası var.Sami has a big sister.This sentence is useful for showing possession of a big sister using abla.Tatoeba #8214688 by tulin, translation #7149271 by OsoHombre
- Ablam beni öldürmek istiyor.My big sister wants to kill me.This sentence uses abla to express a sibling relationship.Tatoeba #2462436 by User20656, translation #2366949 by FeuDRenais2
- Ablamdan daha fazla eteğim var.I have more skirts than my big sister.This sentence uses abla to compare items between the speaker and their big sister.Tatoeba #5448497 by deyta, translation #5170143 by Lindoula
- Ablam harikaMy big sister is amazing.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Mehmet and Merve are talking about Merve's family at a cafe.
- MehmetMerve, senin bir ablan var mı?Merve, do you have an older sister?
- MerveEvet, bir ablam var.Yes, I have an older sister.
- MehmetAblan nerede çalışıyor?Where does your big sister work?
- MerveAblam bir hastanede çalışıyor.My big sister works in a hospital.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry abla, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Turkish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries abla, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
