What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is a compound of kız (girl) and arkadaş (friend).
Which one should you use?
While kız arkadaş literally means 'girl friend', the word sevgili is more commonly used to denote a romantic partner or 'sweetheart' in a serious relationship. The term sevgili translates to beloved or darling and carries a more romantic connotation.
How does it change in a sentence?
To say 'my girlfriend', add the possessive suffix '-ım' to the end of the phrase. To say 'his/her girlfriend', add the third-person singular possessive suffix '-ı' to the end of the phrase.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is /kɯz aɾkadaʃ/. The /k/ is like [c]ore, the /ɯ/ is somewhat like ribb[o]n, the /z/ is like [z]one, the /ɾ/ is like the American English 'a[t]om' and the /ʃ/ is like [sh]oe.
Did you know?
- The word arkadaş comes from arka meaning 'back' and the suffix -daş meaning 'fellow'. It literally describes someone who stands back-to-back with you to protect you in a fight.
- While kız arkadaş is used for romantic partners, Turkish speakers often use the word canım to address their partner, which literally translates to 'my soul' or 'my life'.
- Turkish uses the word sevgili for both 'girlfriend' and 'boyfriend' since it is gender-neutral. It focuses on the state of being 'beloved' rather than the gender of the partner.
Examples in context
- Hiç kız arkadaşı yok.He has no girlfriend.This sentence is useful for saying that someone has no girlfriend using kız arkadaş.Tatoeba #1266585 by duran, translation #284658 by CK
- Kız arkadaşın yok mu?Don't you have a girlfriend?This sentence is a way to ask if someone doesn't have a girlfriend using kız arkadaş.Tatoeba #2726323 by Gulo_Luscus, translation #2643763 by CK
- Kız arkadaşın var mı?Do you have a girlfriend?This sentence is a way to ask if someone has a girlfriend using kız arkadaş.Tatoeba #4224196 by erdeniz, translation #1096514 by CK
- 662 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Merve and Emre are talking about their weekend plans.
- MerveHafta sonu ne yapacaksın?What are you doing this weekend?
- EmreKız arkadaş ile sinemaya gideceğiz.I am going to the cinema with my girlfriend.
- MerveHangi filme gideceksiniz?Which movie are you going to see?
- EmreKız arkadaş yeni bir film istedi.My girlfriend wanted a new movie.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “girlfriend” translations and entries kız arkadaş, 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 arkadaş, kız, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
