erkek kardeş
/eɾcec kaɾdeʃ/from spelling rules
The English phrase "little brother" is translated into Turkish as erkek kardeş.
The phrase erkek kardeş specifically refers to a younger male sibling. In casual conversation, Turkish speakers often drop the erkek (male) part and simply use kardeş to mean a younger sibling, provided the gender is already understood from context.
Which one should you use?
While erkek kardeş is gender-specific, the phrase küçük kardeş can be used to mean either a little brother or a little sister, as the word küçük (little/younger) replaces the gender-specific erkek.
How does it change in a sentence?
To say "my little brother", you add the first-person singular possessive suffix -im to the end of the phrase, resulting in erkek kardeşim.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is /eɾcec kaɾdeʃ/. The /ɾ/ sound is like the [t] in the American English word "atom", the /c/ sound is like the [k] in "skew", the /k/ sound is like the [c] in "core" and the /ʃ/ sound is like the [sh] in "shoe".
Did you know?
- The word kardeş literally translates to 'womb-mate' or 'one who shares the womb', as it is a combination of the word for 'womb' and a suffix meaning 'companion'.
- While erkek kardeş means 'little brother', an older brother is called ağabey. These two roles use completely different root words rather than just changing an adjective.
- In Turkish culture, calling an older male 'kardeşim' (my brother/sibling) is a common way to express closeness or warmth between friends, regardless of actual blood relation.
Examples in context
- Küçük erkek kardeşine bak.Look after your little brother.This sentence is useful for practicing the phrase erkek kardeş in the context of looking after someone.Tatoeba #5482740 by duran, translation #5386151 by Hybrid
- Tom Mary'nin küçük erkek kardeşi.Tom is Mary's little brother.This sentence shows how to use erkek kardeş to identify a relationship.Tatoeba #3947083 by duran, translation #5386636 by CK
- Bir küçük erkek kardeş istiyorum.I want a little brother.This sentence demonstrates expressing a desire for a erkek kardeş.Tatoeba #4592120 by duran, translation #2011888 by CK
- 30 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Selin and Mehmet are talking about their families at a cafe.
- SelinBir erkek kardeşin var mı?Do you have a little brother?
- MehmetEvet, bir erkek kardeşim var.Yes, I have a little brother.
- SelinO kaç yaşında?How old is he?
- MehmetO henüz beş yaşında.He is only five years old.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry erkek kardeş, 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 erkek, kardeş, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
