Ways to say it
| Turkish | IPA |
|---|---|
| sevdicek | /sevdid͡ʒec/ (from spelling rules) |
| sevgili | /sev.ɟiˈli/ |
These terms are used to address a person who is very dear to you.
What does it mean word for word?
The term sevdicek is formed from the root sev, which means to love and the diminutive suffix -cik, which means little or dear, making the word mean "little beloved one".
Which one should you use?
sevdicek is a poetic or diminutive term for a darling, whereas sevgili is the standard and most common word used to refer to a romantic partner or sweetheart.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
To say "my darling" using the word sevgili, you add the possessive suffix -im to create the form sevgilim.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is /sevdidʒec/. The /s/ sound is like the [s] in send, /v/ is like the [v] in vase, /i/ is like the [ee] in creek, /dʒ/ is like the [j] in jump and /c/ is like the [k] in skew.
When do people say it?
Turkish has several common terms of endearment used in informal settings and romantic relationships. Couples often use Aşkım (my love), Sevgilim (sweetheart) or Canım (which translates to "my soul" or "my dear") to express deep affection.
Did you know?
- In Turkish, terms of endearment like sevgilim or canım are often used by strangers in service industries, such as a shopkeeper calling a customer 'my dear' to be friendly.
- The word sevgili can also be used as a formal salutation in letters or speeches, similar to 'Dear [Name]', which is a different use than its romantic meaning.
- While sevgilim means 'my darling', the word canım literally means 'my life' or 'my soul' and is used just as frequently for friends and family as it is for romantic partners.
Examples in context
- Ben canım sevgilimi ararım.I call my sweetheart darling.This sentence shows how to use the form sevgili to refer to a sweetheart.Tatoeba #1357754 by duran, translation #262284 by CK
- Sami, Leyla'nın gözde sevgilisiydi.Sami was the darling of Layla's eye.This sentence demonstrates the use of sevgili to describe a darling of someone's eye.Tatoeba #6794385 by deyta, translation #6696425 by OsoHombre
- Biraz kahvaltı ister misin, sevgilim?Do you want some breakfast, darling?This sentence shows how to address someone directly as a darling using the form sevgili.Tatoeba #5255354 by deyta, translation #3467750 by Hybrid
- 8 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Merve and Mehmet are relaxing at home together.
- MerveNasılsın benim güzel sevdicek?How are you, my beautiful darling?
- Mehmetİyiyim Merve, sen nasılsın?I am fine Merve, how are you?
- MerveBen de iyiyim, teşekkür ederim.I am fine too, thank you.
- MehmetSeni çok seviyorum sevdicek.I love you very much, darling.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “darling” translations and entries sevgili, 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.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
