10 Turkish Idioms for Your Everyday Conversation

Turkish, a language rich in culture and history, boasts a plethora of idiomatic expressions that can add flair to your everyday conversations. In this guide, we’ll explore 10 delightful Turkish idioms that will not only make you sound like a seasoned speaker but also give you a glimpse into the unique Turkish way of seeing the world.

1. Kuş diliyle konuşmak: Literally meaning “to speak the language of birds,” this idiom (kuush dee-lee-leh kon-oosh-mahk) refers to speaking in a way that is incomprehensible to others. It’s akin to speaking in riddles.
2. Ağzı var, dili yok: Translating to “he/she has a mouth but no tongue” (ahz-uh vahr, dee-lee yok), this idiom is used to describe someone who remains silent when they should speak up.
3. Kılı kırk yarmak: To “split hair by hair” (kih-luh kihrk yahr-mahk) means to be excessively meticulous or overly critical about small details.
4. Yer misin?: Literally asking “Do you eat?” (yer mee sehn), this idiom is used to express disbelief or astonishment.
5. Karpuz koltuk: The idiom “watermelon armchair” (kar-pooz kohl-took) is used to describe a situation where someone is in an awkward or uncomfortable position.
6. Köprüyü geçene kadar ayıya dayı de: This idiom (kehr-poo-yoo geh-cheh-nuh kah-dur ah-yuh dah-yuh deh) means “Call the bear ‘uncle’ until you cross the bridge.” It suggests using flattering words or appeasement tactics when dealing with someone difficult, but only until you achieve your goal.
7. Her şeyin başı sağlık: Translating to “Health is the beginning of everything” (hehr sheh-yin bah-shuh sah-luhk), this idiom emphasizes the importance of good health as the foundation for all else.
8. Göz var nizam var: “Eyes exist, order exists” (gohz vahr nee-zahm vahr) is a reminder to behave properly and not act inappropriately when someone is watching.
9. Su akar, yolunu bulur.” (Water flows, finds its way.) This idiom is used to convey the idea that, just like water naturally finding its path, things will eventually work out or find a solution on their own. It’s a way of expressing patience and trust in the natural course of events.
10. Su testisi su yolunda kırılır: This idiom (soo teh-stee-see soo yoh-luhn-duh ki-ri-luhr) means “The water jug breaks on its own path” and is used to explain a situation where events unfold naturally without external interference.

Turkish idioms add depth and color to everyday conversations, offering unique insights into Turkish culture and humor. Incorporating these expressions into your language repertoire will not only help you connect with native speakers but also provide you with a glimpse into the vivid tapestry of the Turkish language. So, go ahead and sprinkle these idioms into your conversations—they are the spice that makes language truly flavorful!