Breakdown of Hanımlar, beyler, hoş geldiniz!
hoş geldiniz
welcome
bey
Mr, sir (after a name/title)
hanım
Mrs, madam (after a name/title)
Questions & Answers about Hanımlar, beyler, hoş geldiniz!
Why does the word for ladies take -lar while the word for gentlemen takes -ler?
This is a great example of two-way vowel harmony. The last vowel in Hanım is an undotted i, which is a back vowel, so it takes the back-vowel plural suffix -lar. The word bey has the front vowel e, so it takes the front-vowel plural suffix -ler.
What does hoş geldiniz literally translate to?
Literally, it translates to something like 'you came pleasantly'. The word hoş means nice, pleasant, or welcome, and geldiniz means 'you came'. Turks use this phrase exactly where English speakers say 'Welcome!'
Why is the ending -iniz used on geldiniz instead of just saying hoş geldin?
The -iniz ending is the 'you' suffix for plural or formal situations. Because the speaker is addressing a group of people (ladies and gentlemen), the plural form geldiniz must be used. You would only use hoş geldin when welcoming a single person you know well.
Are hanım and bey the normal words for woman and man?
No, the standard words for woman and man are kadın and erkek. Hanım and bey are polite titles meaning lady and gentleman. You will also see them used after first names, like Ayşe Hanım or Ahmet Bey, similar to Ms. Ayşe or Mr. Ahmet.
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