bunlar / şunlar / onlar
Plural Demonstratives
Bunlar (these), şunlar (those/these), and onlar (those) are used to point to groups of things or people. They are formed by adding the plural suffix to the singular stems with a special n buffer.
How It Works
In Turkish, plural demonstratives function as independent pronouns. Unlike English, which only distinguishes between 'these' and 'those', Turkish adds a third category (şunlar) for directing attention.
1. Formation:
These words are formed by taking the singular stems (bu, şu, o) and adding the pronominal 'n' buffer before the plural suffix:
• bu + n + lar = bunlar
• şu + n + lar = şunlar
• o + n + lar = onlar
2. Usage Nuances:
• Bunlar is for things within your reach or immediate physical space.
• Şunlar is often used when you are physically pointing at something to show it to someone else for the first time. It is 'gestural'.
• Onlar is for things far away or for things you have already been talking about in the conversation.
3. Pronoun vs. Adjective:
Be careful not to confuse these with demonstrative adjectives. When you want to say 'these books', you use the singular form: Bu kitaplar. When you want to say 'These are books', you use the plural pronoun: Bunlar kitap.
4. Politeness:
Pointing at people with 'bunlar' or 'şunlar' can sound rude or dismissive in formal settings. It is better to use phrases like bu kişiler (these people) or şu beyler (those gentlemen). 'Onlar' is the normal word for 'they', and it is fine for people.
Examples (5)
- Bunlar çok lezzetli.
These are very delicious.
Word by Word: These very delicious.
Used for items close to the speaker, like food on their own plate.
- Şunlar senin mi?
Are those [ones there] yours?
Word by Word: Those yours [question]?
Used when pointing toward items to bring them to the listener's attention.
- Onlar benim değil, Ahmet'in.
Those aren't mine, they are Ahmet's.
Word by Word: Those mine not, Ahmet's.
Used for items far away or previously mentioned in the conversation.
- Bunlar ne?
What are these?
Word by Word: These what?
A common way to ask about multiple objects nearby.
- Şunlara bir bak!
Take a look at those!
Word by Word: To-those one look!
Here, 'şunlar' takes the dative case ending (-a) to show direction of the look.
Common Mistakes
Forgetting the 'n' buffer when pluralizing.
Bular çok pahalı.Bunlar çok pahalı.You must include the 'n' between the stem 'bu/şu/o' and the plural suffix '-lar'.
Using the plural pronoun as an adjective.
Bunlar kitaplar benim.Bu kitaplar benim.When a demonstrative modifies a noun (acting as an adjective), it stays singular (bu). Use 'bunlar' only when it stands alone as a pronoun.
How It Connects
Learn This First
To understand plural demonstratives, you first need to know the singular forms (bu, şu, o) and how Two-Way Vowel Harmony works to correctly apply the plural suffix -lar.
Related Patterns
- bu + NounDemonstrative Before a Noun
Explains how to use demonstratives as adjectives (e.g., 'these books') rather than pronouns.
Level 1 - -ler/-larPlural Suffix
The plural suffix used to create these pronouns.
Level 1 - -n-Buffer Consonant -n-
The specific buffer letter required to connect the demonstrative stem to the plural suffix.
Level 1 - biz / siz / onlarPersonal Pronouns (Plural)
'Onlar' also functions as the 3rd person plural personal pronoun (they).
Level 1 - burada / şurada / oradaHere and There
Locational nouns derived from the same demonstrative stems.
Level 1
Words in This Pattern
Practice bunlar / şunlar / onlar in Bubblegum
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