tatlım
/tɑtɫɯm/
The English phrase "my sweetheart" is translated into Turkish as tatlım.
tatlım is a term of endearment used to address a romantic partner or a loved one. While it is primarily used for romantic partners, it can also be used affectionately toward children or close friends in an informal context.
What does it mean word for word?
The word is composed of the adjective tatlı (sweet) and the first-person singular possessive suffix -m (my).
How does it change in a sentence?
tatlım is the possessive form of tatlı and is used as a standalone noun of endearment.
How do you pronounce it?
The IPA is /tɑtɫɯm/. The sound is somewhat like ribb[o]n for the /ɯ/ and [m]uch for the /m/.
Did you know?
- While tatlım means 'my sweet', Turkish has a distinct word canım which literally means 'my life' or 'my soul' and is used even more frequently as a general term of endearment.
- In modern Turkish pop culture and soap operas, tatlım is frequently used as a stylized, slightly campy filler word among friends, regardless of romantic feelings.
- While tatlım literally means 'my sweet', it can sometimes sound patronizing if used by a stranger or a superior toward an adult.
Examples in context
- İyi günler, tatlım! Neden hala yataktasın? Hasta mısın?Good day, my sweetheart! Why are you still in bed? Are you sick?This sentence is useful for seeing how to use tatlım when greeting someone in the morning.Tatoeba #6838010 by deyta, translation #6836690 by Eccles17
- Seni seviyorum, sevgilim.I love you, my sweetheart.
- Aşkım, seni dünyanın en güzel insanı olarak görüyorum.My love, I see you as the most beautiful person in the world.
- Canım, seninle beraber olmak bana mutluluk veriyor.My sweetheart, being with you brings me happiness.
- Seni çok özledim tatlım.I missed you so much, my sweetheart.
- Yemek çok lezzetli olmuş tatlım.The food was very delicious, my sweetheart.
Example conversation
Can and Elif are having coffee together at a cafe.
- CanKahven nasıl, tatlım?How is your coffee, my sweetheart?
- ElifHarika, çok teşekkür ederim Can.Wonderful, thank you very much, Can.
- CanBir şey ister misin?Do you want anything else?
- ElifHayır, sadece seninle vakit geçirmek istiyorum.No, I just want to spend time with you.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry tatlım, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
