beyler
/bejleɾ/from spelling rules
In Turkish, the phrase for 'guys' is beyler.
In the context of addressing a group, beyler is used specifically for a group of men, unlike the English 'guys' which is often gender-neutral.
What does it mean word for word?
The suffix -ler is the plural marker, turning bey (gentleman) into beyler (gentlemen/guys).
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
While bey is a title of respect, using the plural beyler to address a group is an informal way to say 'guys'. The informal way to say 'guys' in Turkish is arkadaşlar.
How does it change in a sentence?
The suffix -ler is the plural marker.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is /bejleɾ/. The /b/ is like the [b] in about, the /j/ is like the [y] in yes and the /ɾ/ is like the [t] in American English atom.
Did you know?
- The word bey was originally a title for a tribal leader or a governor in the Ottoman Empire. Over time it transitioned from a political rank to a general term of respect for any man.
- The plural suffix -ler is one of two plural markers in Turkish. The choice between -ler and -lar depends on the vowel harmony of the preceding word.
- In modern Turkish slang, young men sometimes use beyler ironically to mimic a sense of exaggerated importance or 'gentlemanly' behavior among close friends.
Examples in context
- Siz beylerin neyi var?What's the matter with you guys?This sentence shows how to use beyler when asking what is wrong with a group.Tatoeba #5458557 by duran, translation #4015659 by CK
- Siz beyler iyi misiniz?Are you guys doing well?This sentence shows how to use beyler when asking if a group is doing well.Tatoeba #5510440 by duran, translation #4960753 by Chackoony
- Siz beyler ne içiyorsunuz?What are you guys drinking?This sentence shows how to use beyler when asking what a group is drinking.Tatoeba #4656047 by duran, translation #1839609 by CK
- Arkadaşlar, ne yapıyorsunuz?Guys, what are you doing?
- Dostlar, başka neler yapabiliriz?Guys, what else can we do?
- 57 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Zeynep enters a room where Emre and his male friends are sitting.
- EmreSelam beyler, ne yapıyorsunuz?Hi guys, what are you doing?
- ZeynepSelam Zeynep, sadece maç izliyoruz.Hi Zeynep, we are just watching the match.
- EmreBeyler, hadi dışarı çıkalım!Guys, let's go outside!
- ZeynepTamam, beş dakika sonra geliyoruz.Okay, we are coming in five minutes.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Turkish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
