How to Use the Turkish Verb “Öpmek”: -i Öpmek, -den Öpmek & Öpüşmek

In Turkish, the verb “öpmek” (to kiss) looks simple at first glance, but it actually has different meanings depending on the grammatical structure. Especially for learners, the difference between -i öpmek, -den öpmek, and öpüşmek can feel confusing at first.

In this post, we’ll break down each form with clear explanations and natural example sentences.

1. -i Öpmek — to Kiss Someone

This structure is used when you kiss a person directly. The noun before the verb takes the accusative case (-i, -ı, -ü, -u).

Example:

• Filmin sonunda oğlan nihayet kızı öpebildi.

→ At the end of the film, the boy was finally able to kiss the girl.

Here, kızı is the direct object of the verb and takes the accusative ending.

2. -den Öpmek — to Kiss Someone on the Cheek/Lips.

The noun before öpmek always carries a possessive suffix, followed by the ablative ending (-den / -dan).

Example:

• İlk randevumuzdu. Yanağından öpmeme izin verdi.

→ It was our first date. She let me kiss her on the cheek.

The "n" between the possessive -ı and ablative -dan is a buffer letter.

Note: “Elini öpmek” vs. “Ellerinden öpmek”

“Elini öpmek” is the standard expression meaning to kiss someone’s hand. Kissing someone’s hand is a traditional gesture of respect in Turkey, usually done to elders. For example, during holidays like Bayram, or when greeting grandparents, parents, or respected relatives, younger people kiss their elders’ hands. This shows respect, love, and politeness.

The phrase “ellerinden öpmek” literally means “to kiss (someone) from the hands” and is often used in affectionate expressions, for example when saying goodbye to elders.

Example:

• (On the phone) Ellerinden öperim, anneciğim. Hoşçakal.

This can be translated in several natural ways:

• With love and respect, Mom. Bye.

• Sending you my love and respect, Mom. Bye

• Much love and respect to you, Mom. Bye.

• My warm love and respect to you, Mom. Bye.

3. Öpüşmek — to Kiss Each Other

This is the reciprocal form, used when two people kiss each other.

Example:

• Tam öpüşmek üzereyken lanet telefonu çaldı.

→ Just as we were about to kiss, her damn phone rang.

And Don’t Forget: “Öpücük”

Turkish also uses the noun “öpücük,” meaning “a kiss” in the sense of a small affectionate gesture.

Example:

• Tatlım, gel babaya bir öpücük ver.

→ Sweetheart, come and give Dad a kiss.