Formal vs. Informal Turkish: When to Use ‘Sen’ vs. ‘Siz’

One of the first things learners notice when studying Turkish is the distinction between formal and informal speech. A key part of this is knowing when to use "siz" (the formal/polite "you") and "sen" (the informal "you"). Using the wrong form can lead to awkward or even offensive situations, so understanding the rules is essential.

In this post, we’ll break down the differences between "siz" and "sen", when to use each, and how Turkish speakers navigate politeness in daily conversations.

WHEN TO USE TURKISH "SEN" & SİZ"

1. Understanding ‘Sen’ vs. ‘Siz’

Sen – Singular & Informal "You"

• Used with close friends, family members, children, and peers of the same age or younger.
• Indicates familiarity and intimacy.

For example:

Sen nasılsın? How are you? – Informal

Siz – Plural & Formal/Polite "You"

• Used with strangers, elders, superiors (bosses, teachers), and in professional settings.
• Shows respect and politeness.
• Can also be the plural "you" when addressing multiple people.

For example:

Siz nasılsınız? How are you? – Formal

2. When to Use ‘Siz’ (Formal)

You should default to "siz" in these situations:

• Speaking to someone older than you (even if just by a few years).
• Addressing strangers (e.g., shopkeepers, waiters, taxi drivers).
• Professional settings (colleagues, clients, bosses).
• Showing extra respect (even if the person is a peer, using "siz" can be a sign of courtesy).

For example:

Siz nerede oturuyorsunuz? Where do you live?

3. When to Use ‘Sen’ (Informal)

You can safely use "sen" in these cases:

• With close friends and family members (unless they’re much older).
• With children or people significantly younger than you.
• In casual, relaxed environments (e.g., chatting with classmates of the same age).

For example:

Sen bugün ne yaptın What did you do today? – Informal

4. Switching from ‘Siz’ to ‘Sen’

In Turkish culture, moving from "siz" to "sen" is a sign of growing closeness. This shift usually happens when:

• The older or higher-status person suggests it (e.g., "Artık 'sen' diyebiliriz." – "We can use 'sen' now.").
• A friendship develops (e.g., coworkers becoming friends).
• In family-like relationships (e.g., a teacher allowing students to use "sen" in a relaxed setting).
• Never assume it’s okay to use "sen" unless invited—doing so too soon can seem rude.

5. Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using ‘sen’ with strangers or elders → Can come off as disrespectful.
• Using ‘siz’ with close friends or children → Might sound overly cold or distant.
• Mixing ‘sen’ and ‘siz’ verbs incorrectly (e.g., saying "Sen nasılsınız?" – this is grammatically wrong).

6. Bonus: How to Offer the ‘Sen’ Form Politely

If you want to suggest switching to informal speech, you can say:

• "Artık 'sen' diyebilir miyiz?" (Can we use "sen" now?)
• "Daha samimi olabiliriz." (We can be more informal.)

This shows respect while allowing the relationship to become more casual.

Mastering "sen" and "siz" is crucial for navigating Turkish social interactions smoothly. Remember:

• "Siz" = Respect, distance, professionalism.
• "Sen" = Familiarity, closeness, informality.

When in doubt, start with "siz" — it’s better to be too polite than too casual! With practice, you’ll develop a natural sense of when to use each form.

Have you ever accidentally used "sen" or "siz" incorrectly? Share your experiences in the comments!