What is a common mistake with “Efendim”?

✗ Ne? (when your grandmother calls you) → ✓ Efendim?: Ne sounds rude in this context.

Phrase 322 of 500

How to say “Yes? / Pardon? (polite)” in Turkish

Q: How is “Efendim” used in a conversation?

Annem: Elif! (Elif!) Elif: Efendim anneciğim? (Yes, mom?)

Efendim?

eh·fehn·deem

Listen

Meaning: Yes? / Pardon? (polite)
Pronunciation: eh·fehn·deem

What “Efendim” really means

Efendim? is the polite "Yes?" or "Pardon?". Use it when someone calls your name, when you answer the phone, or when you did not hear something. It is a small word that makes you sound very well-mannered.

💬 Example dialogues

AnnemElif!Elif!

ElifEfendim anneciğim?Yes, mom?

MüşteriKaç lira?How much?

SatıcıEfendim? Tekrar eder misiniz?Pardon? Could you repeat?

🚫 When NOT to use it

Answering a call from your mother or teacher with "Ne?" (What?) is rude; use Efendim. It is not "sir"; Efendim is neutral for men and women.

🇹🇷 Culture note

Turkish moms famously say "Ne demek 'ne'? 'Efendim' denir!" (What do you mean "what"? You say "efendim"!).

⚠️ Common mistakes

✗ Ne? (when your grandmother calls you) → ✓ Efendim?Ne sounds rude in this context.

Culture tip

Turks answer the phone with Alo? or the polite Efendim? And voice messages are everywhere.

Letters to watch in this sentence

İ i like ee in “see”