hiç

Any and Never

Level 2

Use hiç to express 'ever' in questions and to reinforce negation ('never', 'not at all') in statements. In plain statements, it is paired with a negative verb or predicate. In questions and 'if' sentences, it can go with a positive verb.

How It Works

The word hiç is a 'negative polarity item.' Its meaning shifts depending on the sentence type:

  • In Questions: It means 'ever' or 'at all.' It asks if something has happened even once. Example: Hiç gittin mi? (Have you ever gone?)
  • In Negative Statements: It means 'never' or 'not at all.' The verb must have a negative suffix like -miyor or -medi. Example: Hiç gitmedim. (I never went.)
  • In Conditionals: When used with -se/-sa, it means 'ever.' Example: Hiç vaktin varsa... (If you ever have time...)
  • Rhetorical Questions: It can be used with a positive verb to imply a strong 'never' or 'of course not.' Example: Hiç yapar mıyım? (Would I ever do [that]?)
  • With 'Yok' or 'Değil': It strengthens the negation to mean 'none at all' or 'not at all.'
  • Standalone Usage: In conversation, Hiç is a common one-word answer meaning "Nothing" or "Nothing much" when asked what you are doing.

Examples (6)

  1. Hiç vaktin olursa beni ara.

    If you ever have time, call me.

    Word by Word: Ever time-your if-it-is me call.

    In conditional sentences using -se/-sa, 'hiç' translates to 'ever'.

  2. Ben hiç öyle bir şey yapar mıyım?

    Would I ever do such a thing? (Implies: Of course I wouldn't.)

    Word by Word: I ever such a thing do-aorist [question]?

    In rhetorical questions, 'hiç' is used with a positive verb to strongly imply a negative answer.

  3. Hiç Türkiye'ye gittin mi?

    Have you ever been to Turkey?

    Word by Word: Ever Turkey-to go-past-you [question]?

    In a question with a positive verb, 'hiç' translates to 'ever'.

  4. Bu filmi hiç sevmedim.

    I didn't like this movie at all.

    Word by Word: This movie-acc ever like-neg-past-I.

    Here, 'hiç' reinforces the negative verb to mean 'not at all'.

  5. Cebimde hiç para yok.

    There is no money at all in my pocket.

    Word by Word: Pocket-my-in ever money there-is-not.

    When paired with yok, 'hiç' emphasizes the total absence of something.

  6. Hiç değilse bugün hava güzel.

    At least the weather is nice today.

    Word by Word: Ever not-if today weather beautiful.

    'Hiç değilse' is a common fixed expression meaning 'at least'.

Common Mistakes

  • Using 'hiç' with a positive verb in a statement to mean 'never'.

    Hiç geldim.
    Hiç gelmedim.

    In Turkish, 'hiç' does not carry the negative meaning alone in a statement. You must use the negative suffix -me/-ma on the verb to mean 'never'.

  • Confusing 'hiç' (adverb) with 'hiçbir' (determiner).

    Hiçbir sevmedim.
    Hiç sevmedim.

    'Hiç' is an adverb used to modify verbs (meaning 'at all' or 'never'). 'Hiçbir' is a determiner that must be followed by a noun (meaning 'not a single'). You cannot use 'hiçbir' alone to modify a verb.

How It Connects

Tap a pattern to see what it builds on and what it leads to.

hiçLevel 2Any and Never

Learn This First

To use 'hiç' correctly, you must understand how to form negative sentences in Turkish. 'Hiç' acts as an intensifier for negation, meaning it must be paired with negative existential words like 'yok' or verbs with negative suffixes like '-me/-ma'.

Words in This Pattern