What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of 'erkek' (male), 'kardeş' (sibling) and the first-person singular possessive suffix '-im' (my).
Which one should you use?
While erkek kardeşim is used for a brother of any age (often implying a younger one), ağabeyim is the specific term for an older brother.
How does it change in a sentence?
If 'my brother' is the direct object of a verb, the possessive suffix -im changes to -imi to accommodate the accusative case. The word küçük can be used before a term to indicate 'little', such as Küçük abim for 'my little brother'. The word büyük can be used before a term to indicate 'big' or 'older'.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is /eɾcec kaɾdeʃim/. The sounds are comparable to the English words: [t] in atom for /ɾ/, [k] in skew for /c/, [c] in core for /k/, [sh] in shoe for /ʃ/, [ee] in creek for /i/ and [m] in much for /m/.
Did you know?
- In Turkey, people often address close male friends as abi or ağabey even if they are not related. It is a way to show respect and affection toward a peer or a slightly older man.
- The word erkek is not only used for 'brother' or 'male' but also to describe a person who is brave or strong. Calling someone erkek can be a comment on their courage rather than their gender.
- The word kardeş is used in the Turkish phrase kardeş payı to describe a fair and equal split of something. This reflects a cultural ideal of siblings sharing resources without conflict.
Examples in context
- O benim erkek kardeşim.He is my brother.This sentence is useful for stating that he is your erkek kardeşim.Tatoeba #512025 by duran, translation #250680 by CK
- Erkek kardeşim TV izler.My brother watches television.This sentence shows how to use erkek kardeşim as a subject.Tatoeba #1529925 by duran, translation #278546 by CK
- Bu benim erkek kardeşim.This is my brother.This sentence is useful for identifying someone as your erkek kardeşim.Tatoeba #2051052 by duran, translation #463308 by lukaszpp
- 436 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Mehmet is introducing his brother to Merve.
- MehmetMerve, bak bu erkek kardeşim.Merve, look, this is my brother.
- MerveMerhaba, tanıştığımıza memnun oldum.Hello, nice to meet you.
- MehmetO da seninle tanıştığına memnun oldu.He is also glad to meet you.
- MerveErkek kardeşimle çok benziyorsunuz!You look very much like my brother!
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Turkish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
