The Turkish Family Tree: Terms for Relatives You Didn't Know You Needed

Plot twists in Turkish dramas often hinge on secret family relations. However, the Turkish language is much more specific about relatives than English, which can make these plots confusing for international viewers.

Specificity is Key

• Amca: Your father's brother.
• Dayı: Your mother's brother. (Often used for "cool" or "protector" figures).
• Hala: Your father's sister.
• Teyze: Your mother's sister.
• Gelin: Bride or daughter-in-law.
• Görümce: A woman's sister-in-law (specifically her husband's sister).

In many dramas, a Görümce is a classic antagonistic figure. Knowing exactly who is related to whom and through which parent is vital for following the intricate "family honor" storylines prevalent in the dizi world.