tu
[tʊ]
The English word 'you' is translated into Kurdish as tu.
tu is a subject pronoun used to address the person being spoken to. It is specifically used when addressing a single person in a familiar or informal context, such as a friend, a child or a family member.
Meaning: subject pronoun: the person being addressed (pron)
Which one should you use?
tu is the singular form used for one person. In contrast, hûn is used when addressing multiple people (the plural 'you') or when addressing a single person with politeness or formality.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
When using tu with the verb 'to be' in the present tense, the verb must take the suffix yî to agree with the subject.
Did you know?
- The singular pronoun tu shares the same ancient Indo-European root as the English word 'thou', making them distant linguistic cousins.
- While tu is the subject pronoun, in many Kurdish dialects, the pronoun is often omitted entirely from the sentence because the verb ending already tells the listener that 'you' is the subject.
- In traditional Kurdish poetry, the singular tu is often used to address a divine entity or a beloved in a way that blends intimacy with intense longing.
Examples in context
- Tu li vir î.You are here.This sentence shows the use of tu to indicate someone's location.Tatoeba #5810038 by Kurdistanica, translation #8269532 by Rwmpelstilzchen
- Tu bavê min î.You are my father.This sentence demonstrates using tu to identify a relationship.Tatoeba #5810004 by Kurdistanica, translation #1097991 by cntrational
- Tu îro çawa yî?How are you today?This sentence shows how to use tu when asking about someone's well-being.Tatoeba #9168383 by Gavbigav, translation #388255 by Dorenda
- Tu dikarî bînî.You can see.
- 99 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Soran and Rojda are meeting at a cafe.
- SoranTu kî yî?Who are you?
- RojdaEz Rojda me.I am Rojda.
- SoranTu ji ku derê yî?Where are you from?
- RojdaEz ji Amedê me.I am from Diyarbakir.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “you” translations and entries tu, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries tu, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
