Formal Correspondence Formulas

Level 6

In Turkish official writing, the closing phrase is not just a courtesy; it defines the hierarchy between the sender and the recipient. The two primary formulas are 'Arz ederim' (to a superior/equal) and 'Rica ederim' (to a subordinate).

How It Works

Turkish official correspondence follows the Resmî Yazışmalarda Uygulanacak Usul ve Esaslar Hakkında Yönetmelik. These phrases are independent clauses that conclude the letter.

1. Arz Ederim (I Submit/Present):
Used when the recipient is of higher or equal rank to the sender. In a petition (dilekçe) to a government office, this is a common closing. It uses the Aorist tense to convey professional detachment.

2. Rica Ederim (I Request/Direct):
In a bureaucratic context, this is a directive. It is used when writing to a lower-ranking body. Note: This is different from the daily use of 'Rica ederim' (You're welcome). Using this to a superior in a letter is seen as giving them an order.

3. Arz ve Rica Ederim:
Used when a document is sent to multiple recipients (a distribution list) where some are superiors/equals and others are subordinates.

4. Common Prefixes:
These formulas usually follow specific noun phrases:

  • Gereğini...: Used when action is required.
  • Bilgilerinize...: Used when providing information.
  • Gereğini bilgilerinize...: Used for both.

Examples (4)

  1. Gereğini bilgilerinize arz ederim.

    I submit [this] for your information and necessary action.

    Word by Word: Its-necessity to-your-informations I-submit.

    This is the most common closing for a petition or a letter to a superior/equal authority.

  2. Konunun incelenerek tarafıma bilgi verilmesini rica ederim.

    I request that the matter be examined and I be informed.

    Word by Word: Of-the-subject being-examined to-my-side information its-being-given I-request.

    Used by a superior to a subordinate, directing them to take action and report back.

  3. Bilgilerinizi ve gereğini arz ve rica ederim.

    I submit for your information and request the necessary action.

    Word by Word: Your-informations and its-necessity I-submit and I-request.

    Used when the letter is addressed to a group containing both higher and lower-ranking officials.

  4. Gereği için bilgilerinize arz ederim.

    I submit for your information for the necessary [action].

    Word by Word: For its-necessity to-your-informations I-submit.

    A standard formal way to present a situation to a superior that requires their attention.

Common Mistakes

  • Using 'rica ederim' to close an official letter to a higher-ranking person.

    Sayın Müdürüm, bilgilerinize rica ederim.
    Sayın Müdürüm, bilgilerinize arz ederim.

    In speech, 'Rica ederim' is 'You're welcome.' In official letters, 'Arz ederim' is the usual closing to a higher-ranking or equal-ranking body, while 'Rica ederim' is used for a lower-ranking body.

  • Adding personal adverbs like 'nazikçe' (kindly).

    Gereğini nazikçe arz ederim.
    Gereğini arz ederim.

    Official Turkish style is strictly regulated and impersonal. Adding 'kindly' or other modifiers is non-standard and unprofessional in this context.

How It Connects

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Formal Correspondence FormulasLevel 6

Learn This First

Understanding formal correspondence in Turkish requires a grasp of the Aorist tense for polite statements, the use of plural forms for respect, and the ability to use case endings (especially the dative) within set possessive structures.