hanımefendi
/hɑn.ɯmeˈfæn.di/
The English phrase "lady" is translated into Turkish as hanımefendi.
hanımefendi is used to refer to or address a woman in a respectful, polite context. It is often used as a direct address to get a woman's attention, similar to how one might use "Ma'am" in English.
Meaning: polite: woman (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
hanımefendi is a compound word consisting of hanım, meaning "lady" or "woman" and efendi, meaning "master", "gentleman" or "sir".
Which one should you use?
While hanımefendi is a polite way to say "lady", the word kadın is the standard, neutral term for "woman".
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
hanımefendi is a formal term used to address or refer to a woman with respect, equivalent to "madam" or "lady". Another formal way to address a lady in Turkish is by using the term bayan, which can mean "Ms."
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 4 syllables, with the stress on the 3rd syllable. The sounds are: /h/ as in [h]ome, /n/ as in [n]ot, /ɯ/ somewhat like ribb[o]n, /m/ as in [m]uch, /f/ as in [f]ood, /æ/ as in c[a]t, /i/ as in cr[ee]k.
Did you know?
- The word hanım is so central to Turkish social etiquette that it is often added to a woman's first name, such as Ayşe hanım, to show respect. This is done even in semi-formal settings where English speakers would use 'Ms.' with a surname.
- Because hanımefendi combines 'lady' and 'sir', it literally translates to 'lady-master'.
- Historically, hanım was a title used specifically for the wives of lords or rulers. Over time, it evolved from a strict marker of nobility into a general term of politeness for any woman.
Examples in context
- Ne güzel bir hanımefendi!What a pretty lady!This sentence shows how to express admiration for a lady's beauty using hanımefendi.Tatoeba #5614978 by deyta, translation #4495400 by CK
- Ne harika bir hanımefendi!What a wonderful lady!This sentence is used to express how wonderful a lady is using hanımefendi.Tatoeba #3978626 by duran, translation #3046219 by Ricardo14
- Mary güzel bir hanımefendi.Mary is a beautiful lady.This sentence provides a way to state that Mary is a beautiful lady using hanımefendi.Tatoeba #7001488 by duran, translation #6645926 by CK
- Hanımefendi, hoş geldiniz!Welcome, Madam!
- Bayan Güler, size bu mektubu yazıyorum.Ms. Güler, I am writing this letter to you.
- Bu kadın çok nazik.This lady is very courteous.
- Ayşe Hanım, bu sizin için.Ma'am, this is for you.
- 21 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Emre is greeting a polite woman at a cafe.
- EmreMerhaba hanımefendi, yeriniz hazır.Hello lady, your seat is ready.
- MerveTeşekkür ederim, çok naziksiniz.Thank you, you are very kind.
- EmreRica ederim, ne demek.You're welcome, don't mention it.
- MerveÇok memnun oldum.I am very pleased.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry hanımefendi, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries hanımefendi, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
