tatlım
/tɑtɫɯm/
The English phrase 'sweetie' is translated into Turkish as tatlım.
Tatlım is used between romantic partners, close friends or by adults toward children.
What does it mean word for word?
The word is composed of 'tatlı' (sweet) and the first-person singular possessive suffix '-m' (my).
Is it said differently in some regions?
Şekerim, meaning 'my sugar', is particularly popular among Istanbul locals.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word 'tatlım' functions as a noun in the vocative sense when used as a term of endearment.
How do you pronounce it?
The IPA is /tɑtɫɯm/. The sound /ɯ/ is somewhat like ribb[o]n and the sound /m/ is like [m]uch.
When do people say it?
Other endearing ways to address someone include Canımın içi, which means 'the inside of my soul' and Yavrum, which means 'my dear child'.
Did you know?
- While tatlım sounds sugary, calling someone tatlı (sweet) in a different context can sometimes imply they are 'naive' or 'too easy to manipulate'.
- In certain urban social circles, particularly in Istanbul, using şekerim (my sugar) can sometimes carry a subtle tone of theatricality or a 'diva' persona.
- The word şekerim is often used by shopkeepers or street vendors to create a sense of familiarity and rapport with customers, even if they are strangers.
Examples in context
- Sadece yedi gün daha ve sonra tatlımı tekrar göreceğim.Just seven more days then I'll see my sweetie again.This sentence shows the use of tatlım when referring to someone you will see again.Tatoeba #5253571 by deyta, translation #3508925 by Objectivesea
- Yeterli uyku, sağlığın için çok önemlidir. Yatağa vaktinde git tatlım.Getting enough sleep is crucial for your well-being. Go to bed on time, sweetie.This sentence demonstrates using tatlım when giving advice or instructions to someone.Tatoeba #12726085 by ada_b, translation #11886784 by Amastan
- Nasılsın, tatlım?How are you, sweetie?This sentence illustrates using tatlım in a simple greeting.Tatoeba #4201631 by deyta, translation #1312591 by Eldad
- 3 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Zeynep and Emre are talking in their living room.
- ZeynepBugün çok yoruldun mu, tatlım?Are you very tired today, sweetie?
- EmreEvet, iş yerinde çok yoğundum.Yes, I was very busy at work.
- ZeynepHemen dinlenmelisin, tatlım.You should rest immediately, sweetie.
- EmreHaklısın, teşekkür ederim.You're right, thank you.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry tatlım, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
