merhaba anne
/meɾhaba anne/from spelling rules
The English phrase "hi mom" is translated into Turkish as merhaba anne.
This phrase is used as an informal greeting when speaking directly to one's mother. While the word anne means mother, it is used here in the nominative form to address her directly. Although the possessive form annem (my mother) is also frequently used in similar contexts, the nominative anne is a standard way to address her.
Which one should you use?
The phrase selam anne is more informal and casual than merhaba anne.
How does it change in a sentence?
When addressing your mother directly, you use the nominative form anne rather than a possessive form like annem. To express extra affection, you can add the diminutive suffix -ciğim to the word anne to create anneciğim.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is /meɾhaba anne/. For the individual sounds: [m] is like the beginning of [m]uch, [ɾ] is like the [t] in AmE a[t]om, [h] is like [h]ome, [b] is like a[b]out and [n] is like [n]ot.
Did you know?
- In many Turkish households, instead of saying merhaba anne, a child might greet their mother by kissing her right hand and pressing it to their own forehead as a sign of deep respect.
- The word merhaba originates from an Arabic root meaning 'spacious' or 'wide'. It was used to tell a guest that they have come to a 'wide place' where they are welcome and can feel at ease.
- While anne is the standard word for 'mother', Turkish speakers often use annem (my mother) as a term of endearment for people who are not their biological parents, such as an older woman who is very kind.
Examples in context
- "Tom, sen misin?" "Merhaba anne, benim.""Tom, is that you?" "Hi mom, it's me."This sentence is useful for seeing how to respond when someone asks if it is you.Tatoeba #3094078 by Themis06, translation #3093920 by Hybrid
- Merhaba Anne! Ne yapıyorsun?Hi Mom! What are you doing?
- Merhaba anne, nasılsın?Hi mom, how are you?
- Kapıyı çaldım ve "Merhaba anne!" dedim.I knocked on the door and said, "Hi mom!"
Example conversation
Emre enters the kitchen where Zeynep is cooking.
- EmreMerhaba anne, ne pişiriyorsun?Hi mom, what are you cooking?
- ZeynepHoş geldin Emre, akşam yemeği hazırlıyorum.Welcome Emre, I am preparing dinner.
- EmreÇok güzel kokuyor.It smells very good.
- ZeynepHadi ellerini yıka, yemek hazır.Go wash your hands, the food is ready.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Turkish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries anne, merhaba, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
