What does it mean word for word?
The word is composed of the noun karı (wife) and the first-person singular possessive suffix -m (my).
Which one should you use?
The term karım is specifically used by a husband. A wife would use kocam (my husband) to refer to her spouse.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
While karım is grammatically correct, eşim is often preferred in polite or formal social settings as it is more gender-neutral and sounds more respectful. Eşim is a commonly used term to denote 'my wife' in formal contexts.
How does it change in a sentence?
If the phrase is the direct object of a verb, the suffix -ı is added to the end, resulting in karımı.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is /kaɾɯm/. The /k/ is like the [c] in core, the /ɾ/ is like the [t] in American English atom, the /ɯ/ is somewhat like the [o] in ribbon and the /m/ is like the [m] in much.
Did you know?
- While karım is common, using the word karı alone can be perceived as derogatory or sexist in modern Turkish, often implying a 'woman of low character'.
- The word eş is also used to describe a matching pair of shoes or gloves, meaning your spouse is literally your 'matching half'.
- If a man is being particularly poetic or old-fashioned, he might call his wife gözümün nuru, which translates to 'the light of my eye'.
Examples in context
- Karım iyi bir aşçı.My wife is a good cook.This sentence uses karım to describe someone's cooking skills.Tatoeba #4433051 by duran, translation #1079109 by keira_n
- Karım bir Smith idi.My wife was a Smith.This sentence uses karım to identify a past surname.Tatoeba #1483711 by duran, translation #250904 by CN
- O benim karım değil.That's not my wife.This sentence uses karım to clarify a person's relationship status.Tatoeba #2050822 by duran, translation #1879781 by Asma
- Bugün eşimle yemeğe çıktık.Today, I went out to dinner with my wife.
- 324 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Mehmet is introducing his spouse to a colleague.
- MehmetMerve, bu benim karım.Merve, this is my wife.
- MerveMemnun oldum, merhaba!Nice to meet you, hello!
- MehmetKarım da sizinle tanışmak istiyordu.My wife wanted to meet you too.
- MerveÇok naziksiniz, teşekkürler.You are very kind, thanks.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Turkish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
