The Plural of Respect
The saygı çoğulu (plural of respect) uses the plural suffix -lAr to refer to one person. It signals that the subject is of high status, an elder, or someone the speaker wishes to honor.
How It Works
The plural of respect is a hallmark of formal Turkish. While the standard plural denotes quantity, this usage denotes deference or humility.
1. The Foundation: Second Person Plural
The logic begins with siz (you plural/polite). Addressing a single person as 'siz' instead of sen is the most basic form of this pattern. The 3rd person plural usage is an extension of this logic to show respect to someone whether they are present or absent.
2. Morphological Application:
The plural suffix follows two-way vowel harmony (-lar/-ler). It is most frequently attached to the verb as a 3rd person plural agreement, even if the subject is singular. In very formal speech, it can even be attached to adjectives (e.g., Babam yorgunlar).
3. Respectful Pronouns: Kendileri
A key feature of this register is using kendileri (literally 'themselves') as a respectful substitute for the singular pronoun o (he/she). This elevates the person being discussed.
4. Honorific Vocabulary:
This grammatical pattern is often paired with 'elevated' vocabulary. Instead of standard verbs, speakers use honorifics like buyurmak (to command/please do) or teşrif etmek (to honor with one's presence) to enhance the level of respect.
5. The Plural of Modesty (Tevazu Çoğulu):
Speakers may use the 1st person plural biz (we) instead of 'ben' (I) to show humility, professional distance, or to represent an institution rather than their own ego.
6. Usage Contexts:
- Professional: Referring to a boss or official (e.g., Müdür Bey).
- Traditional: Referring to elders in a family (e.g., Babam).
- Service Industry: Staff addressing or referring to customers to show extreme politeness.
Examples (6)
- Müdür Bey henüz gelmediler.
The Manager (Mr. Manager) has not arrived yet.
Word by Word: Manager Mr. yet come-did-not-plural.
Even though 'Müdür Bey' is one person, the plural verb ending shows professional respect.
- Hanımefendi buyurdular.
The lady has spoken / commanded.
Word by Word: Lady command-past-plural.
Using the plural suffix on the verb for a singular subject isolates the respect function from the associative plural.
- Kendileri şu an toplantıdalar.
He/She (themselves) is in a meeting right now.
Word by Word: Themselves right now meeting-at-plural.
The word 'kendileri' is used as a highly respectful substitute for 'o' (he/she) when referring to a singular person of status.
- Babam bugün biraz yorgunlar.
My father is a bit tired today.
Word by Word: My-father today a-bit tired-plural.
In high-deference speech, the plural suffix can even be attached to a predicate adjective like 'yorgun' (tired).
- Biz bu konuyu pek uygun görmedik.
We (I) did not find this matter very appropriate.
Word by Word: We this matter-acc very appropriate see-did-not-we.
This is the 'Plural of Modesty' (Tevazu Çoğulu), where a speaker uses 'biz' instead of 'ben' to avoid sounding self-centered.
- Doktor Bey sizi bekliyorlar.
The Doctor is waiting for you.
Word by Word: Doctor Mr. you waiting-plural.
A common way for a receptionist to speak about a doctor to a patient, showing professional distance and respect.
Common Mistakes
Assuming there are multiple people present.
Müdür Bey geldiler. = Two managers came.Müdür Bey geldiler. (The manager came.)Learners often take the plural suffix literally. In a formal context, always check if the subject is a single person of high status before assuming a group.
Using it in casual settings with friends.
Ahmet, sen ne dediler?Ahmet, sen ne dedin?Using the plural of respect with peers or friends can sound sarcastic or mocking. Stick to the singular for casual relationships.
How It Connects
Learn This First
To understand the 'Plural of Respect', you first need to know how to form the basic plural in Turkish using the -ler/-lar suffix and understand that the third person singular usually has no ending. This pattern applies the plural marker to a singular subject to show social distance or respect.
- -ler/-larPlural Suffix
The plural suffix is the core grammatical marker used to express respect in this pattern.
Level 1 - Third Person Takes No Ending
Understanding that the third person singular normally takes no ending is necessary to recognize when the plural suffix is being used for respect instead of quantity.
Level 1
Related Patterns
- -ler (3. çoğul kişi eki)They Are
The specific verb agreement suffix used to signal respect for a singular subject.
Level 2 - onlar geldi / geldilerPlural Agreement Is Optional
Discusses the general rules and optionality of plural agreement in Turkish.
Level 2 - -sinizYou Are (Plural or Polite)
The standard polite 'you' ending, which shares the logic of using plural for respect.
Level 1 - Formal Address
The broader category of formal address and politeness in Turkish.
Level 6
Learn Next
Patterns that build on this one.
Words in This Pattern
Practice The Plural of Respect in Bubblegum
Poppy, your AI tutor, writes Turkish lessons at your level. Tap any grammar point in a lesson to see its full explanation.
