Everyone: Herkes
Turkish uses herkes for "everyone" or "everybody." Like in English, it is grammatically singular. Always pair it with a third-person singular verb.
| Everyone is keeping a secret. | Herkes bir sır saklıyor. |
| Everyone is a stranger and everyone is different. | Herkes yabancı ve herkes farklı. |
No one: Kimse and Double Negation
To say "no one" or "nobody," use kimse.
Turkish requires double negation with this word. When kimse is the subject, the verb must also be negative. You are literally saying, "Nobody did not do it."
| No one kept a secret here yesterday. | Dün burada kimse sır saklamadı. |
| No one made a joke at the meeting. | Toplantıda kimse şaka yapmadı. |
Double Negation Without Action Verbs
This rule applies to all sentences. If a sentence describes a state of being instead of an action, complete the double negative with değil (not).
| No one is a stranger here, the hotel is very safe. | Burada kimse yabancı değil, otel çok güvenli. |
Notice the contrast when talking about everyone versus no one:
| No one was serious at the party, everyone was happy. | Partide kimse ciddi değildi, herkes mutluydu. |
Putting It Together
Remember: herkes generally takes a positive verb, while kimse always pairs with negative verb endings or değil.
| Everyone made a joke but the boss was serious. | Herkes şaka yaptı ama patron ciddiydi. |
| No one wants to meet the stranger. | Kimse yabancı ile tanışmak istemiyor. |
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