Turkish plural suffix -ler/-lar

As you know, the Turkish plural suffix -ler/-lar is used to form plurals. Beyond simple plurals, it also has some special uses. In this post, we’ll explore these special uses:

1. Turning certain adjectives into collective nouns

2. Referring to nationalities

3. Using -ler/-lar with personal names and family nouns

   
   

1. Adjective + -ler/-lar

In Turkish, we can add -ler/-lar to certain adjectives to make collective nouns. These nouns usually correspond to "the + adjective" in English.

Examples:

• gençler → the young

• yaşlılar → the old

• fakirler → the poor

• zenginler → the rich

• engelliler → the disabled

• körler → the blind

• sağırlar → the deaf

2. Nationalities + -ler/-lar

The plural suffix -ler/-lar is also used to refer to nationalities.

Examples:

• Türkler → the Turks

• Japonlar → the Japanese

• İngilizler → the English

3. Personal and Family Nouns + -ler/-lar

The plural suffix -ler/-lar can also be added to personal names or relatives’ nouns, such as dayı (uncle), amca (uncle), and hala (aunt). In this case, it refers to other people associated with that person or family.

Examples:

• Dayımlar (ve ailesi) akşam yemeğe geliyorlar. → My uncle and his family are coming for dinner this evening.

• Annemler (ve babam) evde değiller. Alışverişe gittiler. → My parents aren't at home. They have gone shopping.

• Hafta sonu Aysunlarla (ve diğer bir veya birkaç arkadaşımla) buluşacağım. → I'm going to meet Aysun and some other friends over the weekend.

Understanding Context

The context tells us who is referred to with the -ler/-lar suffix.

Example:

A: Esra'yla Miray alışverişe gittiler. → Esra and Miray have gone shopping.

Later, in context:

B: Esralar alışverişten hâlâ dönmediler mi? → Have Esra and Miray come back from shopping yet?

Here, Esralar refers to Esra and Miray.

Note: We don’t use an apostrophe with -ler/-lar in any of the uses above. For example, not Türk'ler or Esra'lar.

Final Tip

The Turkish plural suffix -ler/-lar is more than just a simple plural marker. By learning its special uses, you can speak and write more naturally. Try creating your own sentences using adjectives, nationalities, and personal/family nouns + -ler/-lar to see how it works in real life!