birbiri
Each Other
Birbiri is the Turkish equivalent of 'each other.' It is a 'heavy' reciprocal pronoun that requires a possessive suffix (matching the subject) and takes the case suffix the verb needs.
How It Works
To use birbiri correctly, you must follow a specific morphological sequence:
1. The Stem: birbir- (which inherently refers to multiple parties).
2. Possessive Suffix: This must agree with the person of the subject.
- -imiz (we): birbirimiz
- -iniz (you-pl): birbiriniz
- -i / -leri (they): birbiri / birbirleri
3. Case Suffix: The verb determines which case is needed. If the 3rd person possessive -i is used, a buffer -n- (pronominal n) is required before all case endings (except the instrumental -le). For example: birbiri-n-i (accusative), birbiri-n-de (locative), or birbiri-n-den (ablative).
Semantic Nuance:
While reciprocal verbs are often used for mutual actions, birbiri is essential for verbs without a reciprocal form or where the reciprocal form has a different meaning. For example, while sevmek has the reciprocal form sevişmek, that specific verb now means "to make love." Therefore, to express mutual affection, Birbirimizi seviyoruz (We love each other) is the standard and necessary expression.
Examples (5)
- Birbirimizi çok özledik.
We missed each other a lot.
Word by Word: Each-other-our-[acc] very we-missed.
The accusative case is used because 'miss' (özlemek) is a transitive verb. The possessive '-imiz' matches the 'we' subject.
- Öğrenciler birbirlerine yardım ediyorlar.
The students are helping each other.
Word by Word: Students each-other-their-[dat] help they-are-doing.
The dative case (-e) is required by the compound verb 'yardım etmek'.
- Birbirimizin fikirlerine saygı duymalıyız.
We must respect each other's ideas.
Word by Word: Each-other-our-[gen] ideas-their-[dat] respect we-must-feel.
The genitive case (-in) is used here to show possession (each other's ideas).
- Onlar birbirlerinden nefret ediyorlar.
They hate each other.
Word by Word: They each-other-their-[abl] hate they-are-doing.
The ablative case (-den) is required by the verb 'nefret etmek'.
- Birbirinizle konuşmalısınız.
You (plural) should talk with each other.
Word by Word: Each-other-your-[with] you-should-talk.
The instrumental suffix -(y)le is used to mean 'with each other'.
Common Mistakes
Using the bare stem 'birbir' without suffixes.
Biz birbir sevdik.Biz birbirimizi sevdik.Birbiri is a bound stem; it must always carry a possessive suffix, and it takes the case suffix the verb needs.
Person mismatch between the subject and the possessive suffix.
Biz birbirini tanıyoruz.Biz birbirimizi tanıyoruz.If the subject is 'we' (biz), the pronoun must use the 1st person plural possessive '-imiz'.
How It Connects
Learn This First
To understand 'birbiri' (each other), you need to know the base word 'bir' and how it is doubled. More importantly, since 'birbiri' functions as a reciprocal pronoun, you must be comfortable with plural possessive endings and how they combine with case endings in the correct suffix order.
- birThe Word Bir
The word 'birbiri' is a reduplication of the word 'bir' (one).
Level 1 - -imiz / -iniz / -leriPlural Possessive Endings
The word 'birbiri' functions as a pronoun that must take plural possessive endings to indicate 'each other' (e.g., 'birbirimiz' - each other of us).
Level 2 - The Order of Suffixes
Understanding the order of suffixes is essential because 'birbiri' typically takes a possessive suffix followed by a case suffix.
Level 2
Related Patterns
- -iş (işteş)Reciprocal Verbs
The verbal equivalent of reciprocity, often used for simultaneous or natural mutual actions.
Level 5 - kendiThe Word Kendi
The reflexive pronoun ('self'), which also requires possessive and case suffixes but refers back to the same person.
Level 4 - -n-Buffer Consonant -n-
Used when adding case suffixes to the 3rd person form (birbirini, birbirine).
Level 1 - Saying Whose Something Is
The genitive form 'birbirimizin' follows the rules of definite noun phrases.
Level 2 - Noun + etmekCompound Verbs with Etmek
A common verb used with the dative form 'birbirine'.
Level 2
Words in This Pattern
Practice birbiri in Bubblegum
Poppy, your AI tutor, writes Turkish lessons at your level. Tap any grammar point in a lesson to see its full explanation.
