seni seviyorum baba
/seni sevijoɾum baba/from spelling rules
The English phrase "I love you, dad" is translated into Turkish as seni seviyorum baba.
This phrase is used to express affection specifically to one's father.
Which one should you use?
While seni seviyorum baba is the standard way to address a father, using the plural/formal sizi instead of seni in the phrase sizi seviyorum baba would sound unnaturally stiff or overly formal in a family setting.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word seni is the direct object form of sen (you), indicating that 'you' are the person being loved.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is /seni sevijoɾum baba/. The sounds are as follows: [s]end, [n]ot, cr[ee]k, [v]ase, [y]es, AmE a[t]om, c[oo]l, [m]uch and [b]out.
Did you know?
- The word baba is cognate with the Southern Altai word baabïy, which surprisingly means 'small baby'.
- In Turkish, the word baba can also be used as a slang term for a 'boss' or a powerful, experienced man.
- In some traditional Turkish contexts, respect is shown to fathers through actions or a specific tone of voice rather than frequent verbal declarations of love.
Examples in context
- Babacığım, seni seviyorum. Her zaman yanımda olduğun için minnettarım.Dad, I love you. I am grateful for always being there for me.
- Babam, seni seviyorum. Hayatımın en önemli insanı olduğunu unutma.Dad, I love you. Don't forget you are the most important person in my life.
- Babacım, seni çok seviyorum! Her anımda seninle olmanın ne kadar özel olduğunu biliyorum.My dear dad, I love you so much! I know how special it is to have you with me in every moment.
- Bunu bilmeni istedim: seni seviyorum baba.I wanted you to know this: I love you, dad.
Example conversation
Elif is calling her father on his birthday.
- Elifİyi ki doğdun canım babam!Happy birthday, my dear father!
- MehmetTeşekkür ederim kızım, çok sağ ol.Thank you my daughter, thank you very much.
- ElifSeni seviyorum baba.I love you, dad.
- MehmetBen de seni seviyorum Elif.I love you too, Elif.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Turkish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries baba, seni, CC BY-SA 4.0.
