User:Turkish Glossary of Untranslatable Expressions

Superscript text == Turkish Glossary of Untranslatables brings together the expressions in the Turkish language that do not translate mot a mot into English. Acting with a humorous interpretation of untranslatability meme (Chesterman,2016) in translation studies, the glossary writers and readers ultimately reach the notion of translation as recontextualization of meaning (House,2015). The "untranslatables" viewed here are the expressions/ idioms that are embedded in the Turkish socio-cultural and historical context to such a degree that; either a direct English equivalance can not be found or it does not make the same impact on the readers/ listeners. Therefore, it is better for the readers to put themselves into the context of use, empathize with the speakers (interlocutors), and practise saying the expressions in appropriate situations. Remember these are the fun and formulaic shortcuts to mean what you mean in Turkish:) == '' A*

ANA BABA GÜNÜ

Definition: The phrase pointing out the crowdedness of a place.

Context: Any  crowded  place  such  as  political  meetings,  sales,  book  fairs,  public transportations etc.

Examples: “Bedava mı dağıtıyorlar! Ana baba günü gibi.”

Reasons of selection: When it is translated word for word in the target language, it loses its semantic	meaning.

ARKANDAN AĞLARListen

Definition: It is a phrase generally used by parents to make their children eat their food.

Context: It takes place generally between children and their parents during a meal.

Examples: “ Tabağını bitir yavrum yoksa arkandan ağlar.”

Reasons of selection: This unique Turkish phrase has been told most of us when we were younger so we are quite familiar with it. However, there is no chance for it to make sense to a foreigner.

AĞIRDAN SATMAK

Definition: be reluctant Context: This expression is to accept to do the work that is asked to be done after many requests and many insistence. Example: "Bence gelecek de, kendini ağırdan satmaya çalışıyor." Reasons: This expression can be translated into English as "play hard to get", but it does not correspond to the Turkish meaning of "ağırdan satmak". It is a slang.

AĞZINDAN YEL ALSIN Listen

Definition: The phrase that is used for the people who talk negatively and it is believed that it will be a “self-fulfilling prophecy”. Context: Most common among friends and family, where there is a prediction and someone comments on it negatively. Example: “Hala ödevleri bitiremedim, bu gidişle mezun falan olamayacağım ben.” “Ağzından yel alsın kız, aklına bile getirme!” Reasons: There are similar idioms such as “bite your tongue!” but they are not word by word translations. “May the wind takes it away from your mouth” sounds really interesting.

AKLINI PEYNİR EKMEKLE YEMEK

Definition: : It is used for people who want to do illogical or dangerous things. Context: To state or emphasis someone action’s illogicalness or inconceivability Example: “A: Anne ben Mars’taki koloniye katılmak için başvurdum. B:Aklını peynir ekmekle mi yedin sen yavrum? Gidişi var gelişi yok bu işin.” Reasons: Holding an indigenous place in native culture the words ‘Peynir’(cheese) and ‘Ekmek’(bread) have special place in Turkish culture and they have no exact meaningful equality in target languages.

ALAKAYA MAYDANOZ

Definition: Unrelated things Context: This phrase used to disagree with the spoken word, the idea, to convey to another person that an off-topic comment has been made. Example: "Bugün okulda olanları gördünüz mü? Tam alakaya maydanoz bir durumdu." Reasons: This phrase cannot be translated into Turkish because it has a cultural background. In addition, "maydanoz olmak" means "her işe karışmak" in Turkish, it describes the situation that is irrelevant here as well.

ANA KUZUSU

Definition: A spoilt boy or man who are not used to hard work. Context: This phrase is used to call males who have difficulties in dealing with they face despite their age, because their mothers always did what they need to do instead of them. Example: Kaç yaşına gelmiş ama hala ana kuzusu gibi davranıyor. Reason: When translating, the word loses its originality.

ANAM BABAM USULÜ

Definition: Traditional, classical, and conventional. Context: Usually food that is prepared in a simple and traditional way. Example: Farklı bir yemek değil, anam babam usulü köfte yaptım. Reasons: You can translate the expression word to word but it doesn’t have the same cultural context.

ACISINI ÇIKARMAK

Definition: To overcompensate a loss with the opportunity you had taken in the future. Context: In a situation you feel bad, when you want revenge. Example:  Atandıktan   sonra   ödev   hazırlamaktan   uykusuz   kaldığım   gecelerin   acısını çıkaracağım. Bu maçı kazanırsak önceki maçın acısını çıkarmış olur. Reasons: There are similar idioms in English, but those sentences are not word by word translation.

ARKAYI DÖRTLEYELİM

Definition: This phrase is used to tell the people in the back seat of the vehicle to fill all the seats back there. Context: This is commonly used in public transport or with close friends. Example: Evet beyler arkayı dörtleyelim! Geçin ablacım siz de şöyle. Why is it untranslatable: This phrase is generally used to make people move and fill more people into the vehicle.

ARMUT PİŞ AĞZIMA DÜŞ

Definition: It is used to describe the people’s mentality who are lazy and want everything they want to happen without no kind of effort. Context: In Turkish culture, it is generally used to describe people who wants something but are not willing to make an effort to make it happen. Example: A: Anne, bana gelirken hamburger alır mısın? B: Oldu, armut piş ağzıma düş, başka? Git kendin al. Reasons: We can’t translate it word-by-word because the direct translation will not be satisfactory. Such a translation is definitely wrong: ‘Pear cook, fall into my mouth’. A further explanation, cultural context should be provided to make everything clear.

ASAYİŞ BERKEMAL Mİ?

Definition: It can be used both as a question or statement. The expression indicates that there is no problem related to security. Berkemal: Mükemmel (Perfect, clear, smooth) Context: To express there is no security problem, or everything in order in a particular situation. Example: “Amirimiz telsizden asayiş berkemal diyerek anons geçti.” Reason: Both ‘Asayiş’ and ‘Berkemal’ are old words, therefore, they are difficult to translate. Also, it is hard to find equal words in target language that will reflect the same feelings.

AŞERMEK

Definition: Excessive desire to eat certain things, especially things that are not Context: It is often used to indicate that pregnant women want to eat a food too much. Example: "Komşunun gelini aş eriyor, şu ekşi elmaları ona götürün " Reasons: It can be translated as "crave for unusual foods", but it is not equivalent to its meaning in Turkish. The word "aşermek" in Turkish is used only for pregnant women.

ALLAH ZİHİN AÇIKLIĞI VERSİN

Definition: It is a well-wish phrase for someone to be succesful. Context: It is a sentence that our mothers usually say while we are going to school or before our exams. Example: Allah zihin açıklığı versin kızım. Reason: It is cultural pattern, phrase from my childhood to now, it is our parents’ wish for us.

AVCUNU YALAMAK

Definition: This idiom means not getting what you want. Context: It is used when someone doesn’t or cannot get or achieve something s/he wants. Example: Şeyma: Çok sıkı çalışmamıştım ama o sınavdan bir 80 alırım herhalde. Ali: Tabii alırsın(!). Sen ancak avucunu yalarsın. Reasons: A word-for-word translation is not possible because it becomes nonsense and loses its meaning and the story behind it.

AYAĞINA SAĞLIK

Definition: It is an idiom spoken when our guests are leaving. Context: It is used to mean that coming to my house made me very happy. Example: Beyza: İyi ki geldin kardeşim, ayağına sağlık. Önem: Bize de bekleriz. Reason: It is an idiom in our culture so it cannot be translated.

AYRANI YOK İÇMEYE GÜMÜŞ KÖPRÜ İSTER GEÇMEYE

Definition: It is an expression that states a person has got no resources or money, but still wants exaggerated things in his life. Context: To criticise people for their extravagant expectations and choices. Example: “Şuna bak cebinde beş kuruş parası yok, hala en son model arabayla işe gitmek istiyor.” Reason: Another expression that includes ‘Ayran’ which has indigenous place in Turkish culture.

AYVAYI YEDİK

Definition: Being in a difficult situation, which is undesired. Context: This expression is commonly used in Turkish culture in daily life, where the intention is to tell something undesired has happened. Example: A: Türkçe dersimiz saat 13:00’daydı. Saat şu an 14:00. Geç kaldık. B: Bugün sözlü yapacaktı hoca. Ayvayı yedik! Reason: The translation of the Google’s machine translation is really word-by-word, which is ‘We ate the quince’. We cannot really say that such a translation does reflect the actual meaning of the expression ‘Ayvayı Yedik’ because when someone hears ‘We ate the quince’, he or she don’t understand the same thing when compared to what a Turkish person understands.

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BACANAK

Definition: The husband of a man’s wife’s sister. Context of use: This word is used to signify a family member. Example: Bacanak, Doblo’yu sattın mı? Why is it untranslatable: There are many words that are used to signify a family member in Turkish that English just doesn’t have. “Bacanak” is just one of many.

BENDEN UZAK ALLAH'A YAKIN OL

Definition: This expression is used to mean to make someone understand that he or she is not desired or wanted anymore. Context: This expression is used when one’s intention is to make another person understand that he or she is not desired or wanted to be around. Example: A: Seninle artık can düşmanıyız. Bundan böyle benden uzak Allah’a yakın ol. B: Al benden de o kadar! Reason: We cannot really translate this expression as ‘Be close to God but stay away from me’ because the word ‘God’ here doesn’t mean something religious. It just means a distant place.

BİR YASTIKTA KOCAMAK

Definition: A phrase that is used to wish a newlywed couple a relationship that lasts until old age. Context of use: This phrase is used in a goodwill. Example: Evliliğiniz hayırlı olsun, bir yastıkta kocayın. Why is it untranslatable: This phrase has a cultural context that surround it, and the word “bir” has a double meaning in itself. So, translating this phrase verbatim would not be possible.

BAL DÖK YALA

Definiton: It is an idiom that is said for clear places. Context: After cleaning, it is often said to emphasize the cleanliness of that place. Example: Yerler gıcır gıcır, bal dök yala! Reason: It is an idiom and every culture has some unique idioms, thus, it cannot be translated.

BALDIZ (DALDIZ) BALDAN TATLIDIR Listen

Definition: Although we all know this phrase as ‘Baldız baldan tatlıdır’, the correct version of this is ‘Daldız Baldan tatlıdır’. Daldız means ‘Beehive carved from wood’ or ‘Iron ladle, an iron knife used to extract honey from the honeycomb’ which is probably sweeter than honey. Context: I hope there is no actual context for this phrase, we are using this as a part of schmooze, a fun talk. Example: ''Ebiha: Behlül dizide baldız baldan tatlıdır diyerek ilerledi. Doğan: O cümlenin doğrusu daldız baldan tatlıdır bu arada.'' Reason: As I mentioned, there is no actual context for this phrase (we hope). We use this as a part of our fun talk and japing. Beekeepers might use this as a term of their occupation.

BALIK BAŞTAN KOKAR Listen

Definition: It is a phrase to criticize the ones who have authority. It means that everything, every work will be deficient in a society where the attitude of its managers has degenerated. Context: This phrase is mostly used when an authority figure keeps doing wrong moves for his/her country, school, company, etc. It is also possible to hear this when a person started a job with the wrong moves. Example: “Eee eğitim sisteminin geleceği durum belliydi, balık baştan kokar” Reasons: the reason we are using this expression is to express our disappointment in bad situations about a corporation or work. the phrase means that if the servant is disorderly it is because the master is so.

BEKLEYE BEKLEYE AĞAÇ OLMAK

Definition: When someone you are going to meet makes you wait for a long time.

Context: It is generally used at bus stops, squares, during a phone call to the people who are not punctual.

Examples: “Nerede kaldın yahu, saat kaç oldu! Bekleye bekleye ağaç oldum.”

Reasons of selection: When one translates this idiom to English, she/he can use different words that evoke the same feeling in the receiver. Word-for-word translation would not make sense in	the	receiver.

BENİM AYAĞIM TARAKLI

Definition: It is a phrase used to describe one's problem with his/her foot. Context: It is mainly used when buying a new shoe. Example: Ben bu ayakkabıyı giyemem şekerim, benim ayağım taraklı. Why is it untranslatable: It is used to express your problem with your foot, and you must wear shoes that will not damage you.

BENZETMEK

Definition: Beating someone in a fight. Context: It is generally used by the one who beats his / her rival. Example: Dün pide sırasında adamın birini bi’ benzettim. Why is it untranslatable: It is used to describe the fight in a more exaggerated way.

Bİ KUŞ SÜTÜ EKSİK

Definition: A bird’s milk is missing. We have everything in the dinner table The context of use: It is used to indicate that everything that exists is complete, nothing is missing. Example: Ooo bu nasıl sofra bi kuş sütü eksik !! Reasons: Word by word translation does not give the same meaning. / Flowing with milk and honey

BOŞ YAPMA

Definition: It is pattern that used for people who tell sentences that are irrelevant to the situation or unmeaningful for us. Context: Generally, this pattern is said to people in certain each group who speak nonsense and a lot. Example: Aga boş yapma yaaaa! Ne boş yaptın be kardeşimmmm. Reason: It is a pattern that is used among young people and it is unique to us. It cannot be translated.

BOY VERMEK Listen

Definition and Context: Measuring the length and depth of water by diving into the water.

Example: Ayağın değiyor mu? Boy ver bakalım!

Reason: The translation does not give the same meaning as the original, it only produces a meaningless expression.

C-Ç*-

CAN ÇIKAR HUY ÇIKMAZ

Definition: It is used to mean that people’s habits don’t change easily. Context: In Turkish culture, this expression is often used to describe the difficulty of changing people’s habits. Example: A: Oğlum, lütfen bir daha ayakkabılarınla içeri girme. Ayakkabılarını dışarıda çıkart, eline al, öyle gir. A: (Diğer gün) Oğlum, ben sana dün ne demiştim? Aah, aah. Can çıkar huy çıkmaz demişler, ne doğru demişler. Reasons: Word-by-word translation ‘Even if the life goes, the habits don’t change’ will be unsatisfactory because the first part of the expression can’t be translated directly and the reason of it is because of the lack of cultural context (‘can çıkar’ means ‘whatever is done’ in this context so this information should be provided to make everything clear).

ÇEVİR KAZI YANMASIN

Definition and Context: Those who try to change what they say afterwards, those who try to change their words or adapt to the situation are told with mockery or jokingly. Example: “Arkadaşını üzdün, şimdi de çevir kazı yanmasın.” Reasons: Turn the goose, don't let it burn doesn’t have the same cultural context. Also, even most Turkish people know this sentence as “çevir gazı yanmasın”.

CİLLOP Listen

Definition: Attractive, smooth, great, very clean. Context: It’s used when something is perfectly good. Example : Temizleyince her yer cillop gibi oldu. Reason: It's a Persian-Arabic originated word. It can’t be translated literally.

CÜMBÜR CEMAAT Listen

Definition: It describes going to an event, a situation, or a place altogether, in a crowd. Context: An informal saying among friends or family, where many people are included in this event/place. Example: “Sadece aile içinde sade bi düğün yapalım dedik iyi ki, cümbür cemaat sülalesindeki herkesi toplamış!” Reasons: It is not possible to translate, the word “cümbür” even does not make sense in Turkish.

D*

DALAVERE ÇEVİRMEK

Definition: Doing something bad secretly, by lying and cheating; deceive someone else in secret by organizing. Context: We use this expression for people who are engaging in hidden work, whose actions we suspect. Example: "Alavere dalavere çevirerek, insanlardan para alıyormuş." Reasons: In Turkish, we express to do secret things with the verb "çevirmek". For example, like "dolap çevirmek". When we translate the verb "çevirmek" into English, the translation would be wrong because it doesn't have the same meaning.

'''DEDİĞİM DEDİK, ÇALDIĞIM DÜDÜK Listen

Definition and Context: Not listening to other people and only acting on their own decisions.

Example: Ne derseniz deyin, dediğim dedik, çaldığım düdük.

Reasons: The translation does not give the same meaning as the original, it only produces a meaningless expression.

DENİZDEN BABAM ÇIKSA YERİM

Definition: It means someone can eat any seafood. I would eat (even) my father if he came out of the sea. (I would eat anything coming out of the sea even if it was my father.) The context of use: It is used to express admiration for seafood. Example: Reasons: Word by word translation is very meaningless and interesting to foreigners and it sounds weird to them.

DIR DIR ETMEK

Definition: It’s talking all the time, it can be said that non-stop talking. Context: Usually, when we are angry, we can talk without being silent. Example: Dır dır yapmandan başım ağrıyor, biraz susar mısın? Amma dır dır ettin be, yeter! Reason: There can be some phrases for talkinga lot but we use them by reduplicating like vır vır, zır zır. DİREKSİYON SALLAMAK

Definition: It is the action that those who are drivers by profession have to do all the time. Context: This phrase is used to emphasize the work done by the drivers. Example: ‘’Şoförlük değil de İstanbul trafiğinde direksiyon sallamak insanı dellendiriyor.’’ Why it is untranslatable: This expression is often used to emphasize the work done in Turkish. There is no such expression to describe driving in English.

E* ---

EFKÂRLANMAK

Definition: become anxious, sadden and worry Context: It’s used when you feel down, or are in a low mood for some reasons, generally love issues. Example: Eski sevgilisini görünce yine efkârlanmış, arabesk şarkılar dinleyip duruyor. Reason: We don’t get the actual feeling, emphasis, when it is translated.

EKMEĞİNİ TAŞTAN ÇIKARTMAK

Definition: Being very skillful, being able to do the most difficult jobs, in order to survive in the hardest conditions. Context: When stating our confidence for a person who is really capable to survive. Example: “O işini bilir, aç kalmaz, ekmeğini taştan çıkarmasını bilir.” Reason: Another expression with ‘Ekmek’(bread). Also, the expression ‘taştan çıkartmak’ (excavating from the stone) has no exact equality in target language.

EKMEK ASLANIN AĞZINDA

Definition: It refers to severity of economical difficulties that a country or a person has, such as finding a job, earning money. Context: When complaining about economical difficulties that a person or country has. Example: “Bu iş beni çok yoruyor, ama yapabileciğim bir şey yok, ekmek aslanın ağzında sonuçta.” Reason: ‘Ekmek’(bread) has very peculiar place in Turkish culture and has no exact meaningful equality in target language. Furthermore, it is hard to translate it to the target language with the same religious-consent feelings that Turkish people may feel.

ELLERİNE SAĞLIK

Definition: A phrase that is used to thank someone for their labor. Context of Use: This phrase can be used in any context from cooking to work. Example: Şefim, yemek çok güzel olmuş, ellerine sağlık. Why is it untranslatable: This phrase means to wish good health to the other person’s hands, the body part that does the labor and is very important. Because of this, directly translating this phrase as “health upon your hands” would not give the same contextual meaning.

EN SON KAÇA OLUR?

Definition: It is a question phrase that someone uses when buying things. It is a term used if the buyer could get any discount. Context: It is generally used while shopping to ask for any discount. Example: Müdür bu televizyon en son kaça olur be? Why is it untranslatable: It is used to save more money while shopping and buy things with cheaper price.

ESKİ KULAĞI KESİKLERDEN

Definition: A dangerous person who was a ruffian in the past. Context of use: This phrase is used to warn someone about being careful about and around a person. Example: Dikkat et, Süleyman amca eski kulağı kesiklerden. Why is it untranslatable: This phrase has a cultural backstory about cutting fighter dogs’ ears, so it is difficult to convey the meaning behind it.

ETİ SENİN KEMİĞİ BENİM

Definition: Giving the full permission (usually by parents) to a teacher or master for letting them to do anything necessary for the students education. Context: This expression is usually used by the students’ parents at schools while having a conversation with their child’s teacher. Example: A: Hocam bu çocukla biz artık baş edemiyoruz. Hiç laf dinlemiyor. B: Ben onu adam ederim. Siz sadece onu bana teslim edin. A: Al hocam o zaman. Eti senin kemiği benim! Reason: Translating this expression as the following ‘The meat is yours and the bone is mine’ will not be correct because it doesn’t reflect the cultural context. For eg. a native English speaker can’t understand the full meaning of the phrase ‘The meat is yours and the bone is mine’ because of lack of cultural context. So, it is untranslatable.

EYVALLAH

Definition: This is an expression which is used for many purposes such as to thank, to express heartbreak, to tell “So be it!”, etc. Intonation changes its meaning. Mert: Kanka şu parayı al da işini görürsün. Mehmet: Eyvallah kardeşim! Yeminle çok makbule geçti. Reasons: Since this expression has many purposes and much sincerity in it, any expression in English cannot have the same meaning as in it. That’s why it cannot be translated into English. Context: It can be used informally among friends, family etc. when someone wants to thank etc. from the depths of his/her heart.

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FERİŞTAHI GELSE

Definition: Even if the best, supreme or the most authoritative… Context: It is used when you are about to do something and whoever comes and tries can’t stop you from doing or can’t do better than you. Example: - Feriştahı gelsin seni elimden alamaz. Aşçıların feriştahı gelse, senin kadar güzel yapamaz. Reason: It is Persian origin pattern that we use in daily life. It can’t be translated literally.

G* ---

GAZA GELMEK Listen

Definition and Context: Taking action after receiving praise and encouragement.

Example: Azıcık konuşunca hemen gaza geldi.

Reason: The translation does not give the same meaning as the original, it only produces a meaningless expression.

GÖZÜNÜN FERİ SÖNMEK

Definition: The phrase that is used for the people who do not have any will to live due to miserable living conditions.

Context (where, to whom, when): Any context in which people do not feel happy or satisfied with their lives.

Examples: -Geçen gün Berin’ i gördüm, arka arkaya 6 saat ders verdikten sonra gözünün feri sönmüştü.

-''Dün Ahmet’i gördüm. Yeni işinden hiç memnun değilmiş ve resmen gözünün feri sönmüş. Pek umutsuzdu.''

Reasons of selection: When it is translated word for word in the target language, it loses the semantic meaning.

GÖZÜNÜZ AYDIN  [Voice Record: https://voca.ro/15utI53rFL2U]

Definition: We use the phrase "gözün aydın" for someone when they finally hear good news they've been anticipating for some time. Context: For example, it is used when your brother comes back to home after many years being abroad, then everybody seeing you tells “ Gözün aydın! “ or for a newborn baby, everybody to the mother or father says: “ Gözün aydın!” Example: “Sonunda iyi haber geldi, gözün aydın!” Reason: It loses its originality and sense when it is translated word by word because here “ göz” is used to express a vision that your eyes see something valuable to happen. So that,” gözün aydın “ carries a meaning like “we are glad your view – vision ‘göz’ is bright ‘aydın’ now because you get what you need to finally!

GÜLE GÜLE KULLAN  [Voice Record: https://voca.ro/14LoIoKt0wKq]

Definition : A wish for someone to enjoy their purchase which they have just bought. Context : It is used when someone is showing the new item that they bought and in Turkey ,commonly, we wish them to use it in good days with pleasure. Example : “ Bunu yeni mi aldın? Çok şıkmış, güle güle kullan!” Reason : Even though in English there is a similar phrase to be used in the same reason which is “ Enjoy your purchase”, it does not sound the phrase that we commonly use in Turkish. We kind of share the buyer’s happiness and excitement for buying a new product and wish them to enjoy their product every time by similing.

GÜLE GÜLE OTURUN [Voice Record: https://voca.ro/15Z1ZdsZ6fST]

Definition: It is a good wish that means to live in your new house with peace of mind without any sadness. Context: It is used when visiting someone who has just moved into a house to express good wishes. Example: “Yeni eviniz çok güzelmiş, güle güle oturun.” Reason:When it is translated, it loses its original meaning. We can’t say “Sit on with smile”, then it becomes meaningless.

GÜVENDİĞİM DAĞLARA KAR YAĞDI

Definition: Trusting someone/something but then getting disappointed. (It snowed on the mountains I trusted) The context of use: It is used to express when we trust or support something or someone but they disappoint us. Example: “Bu işi o kesin yapar demiştim ama güvendiğim dağlara kar yağdı.” Reasons: There is one similar idiom used in English as “laugh on the wrong side of one's mouth” but this is used to undergo a change in one’s emotions like from happiness to sadness.

H* ---

HAYRINI GÖR Listen

Definition: This phrase is used when someone buys something new. Context: This phrase is commonly used to tell someone to use whatever they bought in good health. Example: A: Kardeşim duydum ki yeni araba almışsın B: Aynen kardeşim geçen hafta aldım. A: Hayrını gör kardeşim. Reason: Turkish people use this commonly but we can’t directly translate this phrase to Turkish.

HER YER HER YERDE

Definition: It is used to describe the mess in a room.

Context (where, to whom, when): Generally by mothers in a place especially a room, when it gets messy.

Examples: “Daha dün toplamıştım odanı, yine her yer her yerde.”

Reasons of selection: When it is translated word for word in the target language, it loses its authenticity	and	does	not	make	any	sense.

HER YİĞİDIN BİR YOĞURT YİYİŞİ VARDIR

Definition: It is said to indicate that everyone has his own unique ways of thinking or working style. Context: When seeing someone is working significantly different than other people or solving the problems by using unusual method. Example: “O çocuğun diğerlerinden farklı olduğunu söylediğimde, öğretmenim ‘her yiğidin bir yoğurt yiyişi vardır’ dedi.” Reason: It includes items that have unique place in Turkish culture, such as, ‘yoğurt’(yoghurt) and ‘yiğit(brave man)’.

HOŞ BULDUK

Definition: ‘Thank you, I am honored, I am glad to here.’ Context: It is used as an answer when someone says ‘welcome, and it is used as a respect and an acknowledgment about the hospitality in our culture. Example: +Yeni evime hoş geldiniz! Hoş bulduk. Reason: There is no one-to-one translation. When it is translated, it doesn’t give the same meaning, feeling in Turkish.

I-İ* --

İCAT ÇIKARMAYIN

Definition: Don’t start doing things I dislike. Or don’t create unnecessary problems. ‘Don’t make inventions!’ The context of use: It is an expression frequently used by Turkish parents, especially fathers, when their children wanted them to buy something unexpected. Example: Başımıza İcat Çıkartma - Fehmi Amca Reasons: This Turkish phrase has been told of us by our parents commonly so we are familiar with it. But it doesn't make any sense for foreigners. It doesn't mean that 'don't make inventions' so we can't directly translate the phrase.

İÇİM ŞİŞTİ Listen

Definition and Context: Being overwhelmed and bored about a situation or because of a person.

Example: Konuştu da konuştu içim şişti artık.

Reasons: Translating it does not give the same meaning.

İÇ GÜVEYSİ

Definition: This is a phase that is used for a groom who lives in his parents-in-law’s house after getting married. Context of use: This phrase is used to talk down on someone. It is usually paired with the verb “gitmek” in a sentence. Example: Sen iç güveysi gittin, bizi rezil ettin. Why is it untranslatable: Translating this phrase verbatim might give a clue about its meaning, however, it could never convey the humiliating meaning behind its culture

İMAMIN ABDEST SUYU

Definition: Like İmam’s ablution water. It means that the color of tea is very light. The Context of Use: It is used to say that the tea is too weak to drink. It is also a phrase used for drinks that are warm when they should be cold or hot. Example: Bu nasıl çay böyle imamın abdest suyu gibi ! Reasons: In English they use “weak tea” to indicate that meaning but it does not have the same meaning with “imamın abdest suyu.”

İŞ ATMAK

Definition: In slang, it means showing opposite sex that you like him/her with you glance and attitudes. Context: It is an expression used to state this situation to the circle of friends, when the opposite sex's gaze and attitudes are noticed. Example: ‘’Kanka, karşıdaki çocuk sabahtan beri bana iş atıyor.’’ Why it is untranslatable: This expression is used to indicate that the opposite sex is liked. It might be translated as ‘’flirting’’ but it doesn’t give the correct meaning.

İŞ KOYMAK

Definition: In slang, standing up to someone. Context of use: This phrase is used in the streets, to intimidate someone; usually in a question form. Example: Sen bizim mahallemize gelip bize mi iş koyuyorsun lan? Why is it untranslatable: Translating this phrase verbatim makes it lose its meaning, because it is slang.

K*

KAFAYI SIYIRMAK

Definition: It is a phrase that is used to describe someone’s broken mental health. Context: It is generally used in a complicated and uneasy period of people’s life. Example: Bu ne hal oğlum, kafayı mı sıyırdın? Why is it untranslatable: ‘’To go mad’’ can be a sample translation for this sample, but it is not an exact answer. This phrase is further than ‘’going mad.’’

KAÇINCI Listen

Definition: Which, what number. Context: is used to ask “which of the ordered/numbered Example : Kaçıncı kattayız? Reason: Turkish is an agglutinative language and the word "kaç" cannot be translated thoroughly into English especially when the word takes some suffixes.

KAŞIK DÜŞMANI

Definition: It is an expression is generally used by men who lives in Anotolia to call their wives who do not make any effort in their lives but still benefit the ‘comfort’ around them. It means; woman, wife. Context: Today, it is generally used to emphasis men-women inequality in some gender equality meetings Example: “Bizim gibi ataerkil toplumlarda erkek sürekli yüceltilirken kadın ise ‘kaşık düşmanı’ gibi ifadelerle geçmişte ikinci sınıf vatandaş muamelesi görmüştür.” Reason: Indigenous to Turkish culture’s old patriarchal community, in the past it is used by men to call their wives, but today it is often used to indicate men-women inequality in the past.

KEDİ UZANAMADIĞI CİĞERE MURDAR DERMİŞ

Definition: The expression means that a person would vilify something such as object or degree, if it is unreachable or cannot be attained by that person in the past. Murdar/mundar: Dirty, unclean Context: It is used when a someone underestimate the things that beyond his reach. Example: “Uzanamadığı hedefleri hep küçük görüyor, ne demişler; kedi uzanamadığı ciğere murdar der” Reason: ‘Kedi’(Cat) and ‘Ciğer’(liver) have very peculiar place in Turkish culture. ‘Murdar’ (unclean) includes religious concepts and it is also an old word and therefore, it makes difficult translation process.

KESKİN SİRKE KÜPÜNE ZARAR Listen

Definition and Context: Anger only harms the person itself, it does not serve any other purpose.

Example: Biraz sakinleş, keskin sirke küpüne zarar.

Reason: The translation does not give the same meaning as the original, it only produces a meaningless expression.

KIL OLMAK Listen

Definition: Expressing irritability and/or discomfort, dissatisfaction with an issue over which you have no control, cannot change or influence. Context: In a situation or towards a person that makes you feel uncomfortable and annoyed. Example: "Sana bu aralar kıl olmaya başladım, gözüme fazla görünme." Reasons: It is possible to make word-by-word translation however probably “becoming hair” will not make any sense for any foreign people.

KAPIYA KADAR GEÇİRMEK

Definition: Accompanying the guests to the door while they are leaving, usually with a long chatter. Context of use: This phrase is used to show appreciation to the guests. Example: Bu kadar erken mi gidiyorsunuz? O zaman sizi kapıya kadar geçireyim. Why is it untranslatable: Because in this context, the word “geçirmek” has a completely different meaning than its original one; so, translating it verbatim wouldn’t work.

KARA SEVDA

Definition: The expression means two people’s love, which is impossible. Context: In Turkish culture, it is often used for two people who love each other but because of some reason, they can’t get married or be close to each other. Even there was a Turkish TV series called ‘Kara Sevda’. Example: A: Bizim aşkımız imkansız aşk. Buna bizim memlekette kara sevda derler. Reasons: We can’t translate it word-by-word because it will definitely be wrong. ‘Black love’ or ‘dark love’ will not be a satisfactory translation. The Google’s machine translation is ‘blind love’ but still it doesn’t give the full meaning as ‘Kara’.

KIRMIZI OLSUN ÜÇ KURUŞ FAZLA OLSUN

Definition: It means ‘the red things (usually clothes) should be preferred over others’. Context: In Turkish culture, when someone can’t decide to buy one of the clothes between two or more, he or she buys the red one because it is thought to be superior to the other colors and more beautiful, by saying ‘kırmızı olsun üç kuruş fazla olsun’. Example: A: Hangi kıyafeti alsam acaba? Kırmızı, mavi, siyah. Hepsi çok güzel ama sanırım ben kırmızı olanı alacağım. Çünkü ne demişler: ‘Kırmızı olsun üç kuruş fazla olsun’ Reason: We can’t translate this sentence word-by-word because it is an expression only used in Turkish culture. People from other cultures may get confused after reading the expression. So, a further explanation (Turkish people glorify the red color) should be given.

KISMETSE.. [Voice Record: https://voca.ro/1hOY0tlCe3OG]

Definition : It is an expression for someone to accept her fate and leaves her all hopes for a god willing. Context : It is used when someone desires something to happen so much but she believes that her destiny is already set up so she waits for her desire to see if it’s in her fate. Example : “Çok istiyorum ama bakalım, kısmetse olur…” Reason : Although there is a very similar phrase which is “ if fate so decress” it is more connected to a turkish word “kader “. It doesn’t give the same meaning with “kısmet”.

KIYAMAM  [Voice Record: https://voca.ro/16GbErwPlrPV ]

Definition: It is used to express sadness in an event that happened to a person or something else. Context: We use it to express our sadness when something bad happens to someone or something. Example: “Başına neler gelmiş ya kıyamam sana.” Reason: Although we can say ‘Poor you!’ it doesn’t give the same meaning. When we translate it word by word, it loses its actual meaning. ‘I can’t hurt you’.

KIYMETE BİNMEK

Definition: Something or someone, increasing in value; usually in a sudden fashion. Context of Use: This phrase is usually used to complain about the sudden change. Example: Bu kripto paralar da ne kıymete bindi değil mi? Why is it untranslatable: When you try to translate this phrase verbatim, e. g. “riding the value”, it doesn’t convey the same meaning.

KESENE BEREKET Listen

Definition: A phrase to express gratefulness towards someone who had helped others in a materialistic way. It's said to wish more money upon the person. Context: The phrase is mostly used when someone pays the bill for you in a restaurant or cafe, it's a way of showing gratitude and that you wish good things, like more money, to that person. It indicates that you appreciate their generous behavior. Example: Beyza: Haydi çaylar benden! Ebiha: Kesene bereket hacı! Reasons: It's a frequently used expression and seldom sources, even on the Internet, mentions the meaning of the phrase while none mentions the context or gives an example. The phrase goes beyond a simple Thank you and is a polite way of showing appreciation.

KOLAY GELSİN

Definition: More power to you in your study or work. Context: This expression is used to mean good wishes to those who are working or have difficulties in their work. Example: Ahmet: Yarın çok önemli bir sınavım var sabaha kadar çalışmayı planlıyorum. Ayşe: Senin de işin zor valla, hadi kolay gelsin. Reasons: This expression has a cultural background, we can say "more power to your elbow" or "good luck with that" but it doesn't quite correspond to its meaning in English.

KOMŞUNUN TAVUĞU KOMŞUYA KAZ GÖRÜNÜR

Definition: Envying the other people who have the same thing as what you have. Context: Even though we have the same thing, when we see that some other people have it, we envy them and see what they have significantly superior to what we already have. Example:A: Anne, ben yeni telefon istiyorum. B: Oğlum, daha yeni aldık ya. Onunla idare et. A: Ama anne, Mehmet’in telefonunun kamerası 8 megapikselmiş. Benimkisi 7.9 megapiksel. B: Oğlum, abartma. Kullan bozulana kadar, sonra alırız yenisini. Reasons: A direct translation of this expression would certainly be wrong because it will not reflect the cultural context. The Google’s machine translation’s advice is the following: ‘The neighbor's chicken looks like a goose to the neighbor’, which is not a satisfactory translation because the context is lacking.

KÖPEK GİBİ SEVMEK

Definition: This expression means loving someone so much. (showing excessive love) Context: Some people use it to express their love to the person they love when they feel the need of showing how much they love. Example: Deniz: Son zamanlarda bana hiç vakit ayırmıyorsun. Beni artık sevmiyorsun sen. Kamil: Saçmalama! Ben seni köpek gibi seviyorum. Reasons: An expression like ‘ loving someone like a dog’ does not even exist in English. The expression ‘loving someone to bits’ can be used, but it does not have the same lexical meaning as in ‘köpek gibi sevmek’. That’s why this expression is untranslatable

KURBAN OLURUM SANA Listen

Definition: It's a reaction that is usually used for showing people’s feelings. Context: One can hear this phrase when someone reacts to baby/child/animal in a good way or to show sincerity. Example: Yaa kurban olurum sana, ne tatlı şeysin sen öyle. Reason: This is one of ‘’the’’ phrases in our culture that we can’t convey the true meaning of it to a foreigner.

KÖKÜ SENDE (BENDE)

Definition: It means that your hair will grow. (You (or I) have the root.) The context of use: It is used to comfort someone (or oneself) after they get a bad haircut. Example: A: Saçlarım çok kötü duruyor, çok kısa oldu. B: Üzülme ya, kökü sende sonuçta. Reasons: When we do the word-by-word translation, ‘the root’ doesn’t have the same meaning as in Turkish. Saç kökü means hair follicle in English and the literal translation makes nonsense. ‘Your hair will grow’ doesn’t give the same feeling.

M*--

MANGAL YÜREKLİ Listen

Definition: A phrase, an adjective used to describe brave, fearless, and audacious people. It also refers to someone being positive about themselves, liking themselves. The phrase can also mean that someone is reckless. Context: The phrase is used to appreciate someone's bravery in a situation. Although it's mostly a positive observation, a compliment, depending on the situation and the person's actions, one can also imply that their bravery is rather careless. It is mostly used to describe brave men in Turkish culture and unlike Western culture, fighting against physical conditions is more appreciated and recognized rather than mental challenges. Example: Yanar döner insanlar için mangal yürekli insanları üzdünüz. Reasons: Turkish culture fetishizes bravery and gives a great deal of credit to selfless acts whether it's as small as helping someone who is getting robbed or as big as defending the country against enemies. The effect of the phrase can also be observed in Turkish cinema, a lot of beloved characters, in other words, tough guys, can be described using the phrase.

MAŞALLAH Listen

Definition: It is said when we want to protect someone or something from people’s evil eyes. Context: We can hear this word a  lot especially when we visit our grandmothers and grandfathers. Example: ‘’Maşallah ne kadar da ne kadar da büyümüşsün.’’ Reason: We have chosen this word because we believe we use this word a lot on a daily basis. But there is no actual translation of this word.

MİLLİ OLMAK

Definition: A man's first sexual experience. Context: This expression is used to symbolize a man's first sexual experience. There is a sexist and slang usage in the language of our people. Example: Sevişti bir bakir ile bakire, erkeğe milli dediler kadına fahişe -  Cemal Süreya Reasons: This expression cannot be translated as ‘being national’ because, in some cases, nationalism and sexuality are combined in a single norm in our culture, thus expressing the power of men in the term "milli olmak".

MUHABBETİNE DE DOYUM OLMUYOR

Definition: Either really enjoying a conversation or getting bored from the person talking Context: People usually say this conversation when they wanted to end the conversation and leave; or when everybody stayed silent. Example: "Sohbetine doyum olmuyor ama geç oldu komşu; biz kalkalım." Reasons: This sentence usually has a sarcastic meaning. Also, eating the conversation doesn’t make sense.

MUHALLEBİ ÇOCUĞU Definition: The child whose every wish is fulfilled. Context: It is expression for people who have grown up with the intense interest of their parents and who do not know life well enough. Example: "Senin gibi muhallebi çocuklarıyla iş yapamam ben." Reasons: It is used in our language because the softness of the pudding is associated with the character of the people, so when we translate it as "son of a pudding" it doesn't mean anything in English.

N*

NAMUS BEKÇİSİ

Definition: It is a phrase to describe someone who is judging other people’s honor, pride and morals irrespective of hers/his although it’s none of her/his business. Context: It is used when someone is judging others’ moral values. Example: Ömer: Şunlara bak utanmadan nasıl da sarmaş dolaş geziyorlar ortalıkta. (Etraftaki kızlara bakıp rahatsız ediyordur.) Semra: Sanane be, buranın namus bekçisi de sen misin? Reasons: Since the word ‘namus’ in Turkish which is different from the word ‘honor’ in English has an extra meaning in our culture, it is not possible to translate into English.

NAZ YAPMAK Definition: Acting like not liking someone, but actually liking them deep down. Context of Use: This action is done while trying to play hard-to-get. Example: Naz yapmayı bırak artık, senin de beni sevdiğini biliyorum. Why is it untranslatable: Because, the word “naz” is used with a different meaning and translating it verbatim would not convey the same message.

O-Ö*

OTURMAYA MI GELDİK

Definition: The phrase people use to cheer the atmosphere up when there is an unusually quiet environment and it sometimes refers to an invitation to dance.

Context: It’s used to make the people dance and get active who are rather passive and quiet in the places where you can dance.

Examples: “Ayfer, kalk kız oturmaya mı geldik.”

Reasons of selection: When it is translated word for word in the target language, it loses its authenticity.

OTURTMA

Definition: A meal made by cooking any vegetables such as eggplant, zucchini, potatoes with minced meat. Context: This word is generally used to indicate that the meal a special meal. Example: Oturtma Türk mutfağının belli başlı yemeklerinden biridir. Reasons: Each food culture has its own unique food names. We put names according to the way our own dishes look, so it cannot be translated.

ÖLÜMÜ GÖRListen

Definition: A powerful promise or statement that is used to convince the other side about any subject.

Context: Any heated conversation between sincere people or	people who have intimate relationships.

Examples: “ Söylediklerimi başkasına anlatırsan ölümü gör.”

Reasons of selection: The phrase loses its authenticity and the sense of powerful insist when it is translated.

ÖMÜR TÖRPÜSÜ Listen

Definition and Context: A very troublesome person or something that wears you down slowly.

Example: Bu çocukla ne yapacağım ben? Ömür törpüsü sanki!

Reasons: The translation does not give the same meaning as the original, it only produces a meaningless expression.

P*

PAPAZ HER GÜN PİLAV YEMEZ

Definition: To force someone to do the same job or requests all the time may cause him get extremely bored with it. Context: Rising or outburst when someone got received the same job or requests. Example: “Yine mi aynı iş? Başka bir iş yok mu yapabileceğim? Papaz bile her gün pilav yemez sonuçta.” Reasons: ‘Papaz’ and ‘Pilav’ are cultural elements of the expression. Additionally, it is very difficult to translate the sentence with the same emotions that are included in the Turkish one.

PARAM OLSA DA BEN ALSAM

Definition: I wish I had the money to buy. Context: This idiom is mostly used by traditional Turkish market sellers. Example: Reasons: This sentence has too many sub meanings; I am poor so, please buy what I am selling; it is a good product, I would use this product myself, I am recommending it, etc.

PİLAVDAN DÖNENİN KAŞIĞI KIRILSIN

Definition: An expression or open declaration indicates that, the will or eagerness that a person has, for going all the way to complete a job or for the sake of an ideology even though, there are major obstacles in the way. Context: To show the eagerness or will that a person has. It includes strong emotion. Example: “Bu işe baş koydum bir kere, pilavdan dönenin kaşığı kırılsın.” Reasons: ‘Pilav’ is a cultural element of the expression that creates unique meaning in the sentence, also, it is very difficult to translate the strong emotions that is included in the expression.

PİNEKLEMEK

Definition: Standing still like sleeping, usually while resting. Context of Use: This verb is used to exaggerate the laziness of someone. Example: Kalk artık yataktan, pineklemeyi bırak da şu ödevi yapalım. Why is it untranslatable: This expression mimics an action that chickens do and attributes it to a person; so, conveying the same meaning with a verbatim translation is not much possible

R*

REZİLLİK DIZ BOYU

Definition: The phrase people use to stress the wretchedness of a scandalous situation or event.

Context: Used in every situation when people are ashamed of their condition.

Examples: “Bir üniversitede rektör torpille tüm akrabalarını işe almış, rezillik diz boyu.”

Reasons of selection: The phrase cannot give the meaning of complaint about a shameful situation	when	it	is	translated	to	the	target	language.

S* ---

SALÇA OLMAK Listen

Definition and Context: Meddling in others' businesses, jumping into conversations, etc.

Example: Her seferinde muhabbetin ortasında gelip salça oluyor.

Reasons: The translation does not give the same meaning as the original, it only produces a meaningless expression.

SALLAMA

Definition: It is an expression to tell someone that s/he is exaggerating while talking about an event or situation s/he has experienced. Context: It is used informally among friends etc. when there is someone who is exaggerating. Example: Ziya: Allah çarpsın dün evde şu ayakkabı kadar bir böcek gördüm. Zehra: Sallama be! Küçücük bir şeydi kesin. Reasons: There are ways to express in English that someone is exaggerating. However, word to word translation cannot be done for this expression since its stem is not used in literal meaning.

SAMAN ALTINDAN SU YÜRÜTMEK

Definition: doing something secretly, acting on the sly Context: It is used when someone makes people pitted against each other without revealing her own actions or just does something secret from everyone. Example: Saman altından su yürütmüş, şirketin parasından kendi hesabına aktarmış. Reason: It is an idiom. When it is translated literally, it doesn’t convey the real meaning.

SENİN CANIN CAN DA BİZİMKİ PATLICAN MI?

Definition: Is your soul and ours an eggplant? It means that the speaker’s life is not as important as other person. The Context of Use: It is used to indicate that the person is acting selfish and want others to do what she/he does not want to do. Example: Neden alışverişi hep ben yapıyorum? Senin canın can da bizimki patlıcan mı? Reasons: When translating into English, it loses the meaning behind. In Turkish this expression includes rhyme “can”.

SIHHATLER OLSUN Listen

Definition: A phrase to wish good health towards someone who has a fresh haircut, recently shaved, or someone who has just got out of the shower. Context: The phrase is used to wish good health upon people who had their hair cut, beard shaved, or had a bath. It's a way of saying I see you just got out of the shower or I see you had a haircut while also wishing their health to be well. Examples: ''Arda: Saçım nasıl olmuş kardeşim böyle? Ebiha: Sıhhatler olsun kanka yakışmış!'' Reason: It's essentially a barbershop phrase and mostly used in men's barbershops though people also use the phrase to compliment each other in a way. Turkish men don't just blatantly say Hey bro, I liked your hair cut, they use this phrase instead. Other cultures, especially Western cultures, have their own way of saying something similar but they use it mostly to give a toast to someone and the meaning differs. (To your health!)

T*

TAVŞAN KANI (ÇAY)

Definition: Perfectly brewed tea, resembling the color of rabbit blood. ‘Rabbit blood’ The context of use: It is used to emphasize that the tea is beautiful, brewed and delicious. Example: Çaycı Hüseyin: Çaylarrrrr! Haluk: Ba ba ba ba! Hüseyin eline sağlık valla tavşan kanı çay gibisi yok. Reasons: When translated,the phrase cannot convey the meaning.In Turkey actually, what is meant here is not the color of the tea but its plentifullness. But to describe this phrase to a foreigner does not mean the same.

TEPE TEPE KULLAN Listen

Definition and Context: To use something as you want without thinking that it will wear out or get old.

Example: Bu araba senin artık, tepe tepe kullan!

Reasons: This expression uses reiteration, therefore the translation does not make sense.

TRİP ATMAK

Definition: It is an action that some people do in order to show their disappointment or sadness to their partners. Context: It is mainly used in relationships. Example: Neden trip atıyorsun ya? Sadece arkadaşlarla Fifa atıyorduk. Why is it untranslatable: It might be translated as ‘’being angry’’ but it doesn’t give the exact translation. It cannot be explained, it should be experienced.

TUZU KURU Listen

Definition: Well to do, well situated, have nothing to worry about Context: It means someone who has nothing to worry about in any case or someone who will not be damaged by a bad situation. Example: Sana göre hava hoş, gülersin, oynarsın, tuzun kuru nasıl olsa. Reason: When translating, the word loses its originality.

TÜNEMEK

Definition: It is a way of sitting / posture specific to Turkish men only. arms are extended forward, a cap on the head, a cigarette in the hand. This is actually an act of poultry. Simply ‘’crouching.’’ Context: This expression is used to describe the sitting position of the person, which is also seen in the photograph. Example: ‘’Ne tünedin oraya öyle tarlası yanmış çiftçi gibi?’’ Why it is untranslatable: This verb mimics the action that poultries do and attributes to a person.

U-Ü*-

UFAK AT DA CİVCİVLER YESİN

Definition: This phrase is used to point the exaggeration in someone's claim.

Context: In a dialog among friends, family, etc.

Examples: Nisa: “Kanka, ortalamam 3,98 bu dönem.” Özlem: “ Ufak at da civcivler yesin be Nisa.”

Reasons of selection: When translated, the phrase cannot convey the meaning it has. The emphasis on mendacity becomes lost.

ULAN/LAN Listen

Definition: Two words that are originated from the word oğul(son) in Turkish are used as slang and as a way of addressing people. Lan is the shortened version of ulan and both can be used to start talking about a good thing as well as a bad thing. Context: The words are interlocked with the Turkish culture. One can both insult and compliment using these words and for some people, the use of this particular slang is an unforgivable act, almost a swear word. Depending on whom they are uttered to, tone of voice, and of course the context, these words can start a fight or be welcomed. Example: Mean version as a threat: Ulan ben şimdi sana göstermez miyim.. Nice version as a way of greeting: Naber lan hiç gözükmüyorsun ortalıkta? Reasons: Although there are words in other cultures with similar functions, these two words are truly untranslatable due to the fact that they are cultural words rather than words in the dictionaries. The use of these words is frequent and they have an observable effect on people. They are two of the few words that are used by people from all sorts of backgrounds and social statuses in Turkey.

ÜSTÜNDE PARALANSIN Listen

Definition: It is a phrase to express our sincere feelings towards someone. We use this expression for a person who buys new clothing or shoes, it means that wear it on Beautiful and healthy days. Context: This phrase is mostly used when a person shows you their new clothing piece and you wish them to wear it for a long time. Example: Arda: Kardeşim yeni montumu hiç görmüyorsun... Beyza: Vaaaaay kardeşim, üstünde paralansın. Reasons: Actually there are lots of ways to show our sincere feelings towards a new clothing piece, but this one indicates ‘wear it too long that you tear it apart’. Even though it’s a sincere phrase, it sounds a little bit rude. Instead, we can say another similar phrase, which is “Güle güle kullan”. ÜŞENMEK

Definition: To feel lazy Context: We use this expression for being relax in doing a job, feeling reluctance in yourself. Example: "Uyanıp online derslere girmeye bile üşeniyorum" Reasons: There is no exact equivalent of the verb, which means not feeling the desire to do something. It can be translated as being lazy like “Too lazy to do” but it doesn't quite correspond its meaning. Laziness breeds laziness, but literally, they are not exactly the same.

V*

VURDUĞUNUZ GOL OLSUN

Definition: It means ‘good luck at the soccer field’. Context: The expression is usually said towards the players of a football team before a match. Example: A: Evet sayın seyirciler. Futbolcular yavaş yavaş sahaya giriyor. İlk on bir tamamlanmak üzere! B: (Tribündeki taraftarlardan birisi) Hadi aslanlarım, yaparsınız! Vurduğunuz gol olsun! Reasons: We can’t directly translate this expression as ‘may your every shooting the ball, score a goal’ because there is a lack of cultural context, which could lead to a misunderstanding. A further explanation should be given to make everything clear. For eg. In Turkish culture, people generally use this expression to mean ‘good luck, players!’ before football matches but not before volleyball or basketball matches. So, the hearer should have such background information.

Y*

YAP Bİ' ŞEYLER DE AYAĞIMIZ ALIŞSIN

Definition: It is a phrase to tell that you will come back later to buy more after buying this. Context: It is mainly used while shopping. Example: Müdür yap bi' şey ayağımız alışsın be, komşuyuz şurada bak. Why is it untranslatable: It is used to lower the price of something when one wants to buy it.

YEDİĞİN ÖNÜNDE YEMEDİĞİN ARKANDA

Definition: It is said to someone who lives in comfort. Context: In Turkish culture, the people generally use this expression to mean that someone lives in really good conditions what others don’t have. Example: A: Anne, neden 4+1 ev almıyoruz? B: Oğlum, yediğin önünde yemediğin arkanda. Daha ne istiyorsun? Belanı mı?? Reasons: This is an idiom, which is often used in Turkish culture. We can’t translate this idiom word-by-word as ‘the thing that you eat in front you and the thing that you don’t eat behind you’ because it is meaningless without providing a further explanation, a cultural context.

YEMEZLERListen

Definition: An expression used to stress the unbelievability of a situation or a claim implying that claim is obviously a lie.

Context (where, to whom, when): In daily conversations between people who are on the same page that the person of interest is lying.

Examples: -Sınavım	kötü	geçti,	hiçbir	soruyu	yapamadım. +Yemezler.

-Bu	sefer	değiştim,	yalan	konuşmak	yok. +Yemezler.

Reasons of selection: When it is translated word for word in the target language, it loses all of its meaning.

YERDEN BİTME

Definition: A person who is extremely short Context: Generally, we use this expression for people who are very short. It can also be considered slang. Example: "Şu yerden bitme çocuğa bak hele! Boyundan büyük işlere kalkışmış." Reasons: Since this expression has a cultural background, we cannot translate it into English. In addition, since it is used to mean mocking a person in Turkish, it does not have the same meaning in English.

YOK YA!   [Voice Record: https://voca.ro/1cITMr6PkFvb]

Definition: It express the impossibility of a request, assumption or suggestion. This is very colloquial and not used in formal situations. Context: It is used to reject the offer in informal situations. Examples: +Bugün beraber dışarı çıkmak ister misin? - Yok ya sağ ol. + Bunları atlatacaksın kafana takıp kendini üzme. - Yok ya ne kafama takacağım. Reason: This word can be translated as “No” but it does not give the same effect.

YOK YOK

Definition: Philosophical Turkish seller’s expression to say whatever you want, you can find there. There is nothing missing. ‘Absent is absent.’ The context of use: It is used to emphasize that nothing is missing when shopping at the market or eating at the table. Example: Bu pazara da ilk defa geldik ama valla yok yok, dünyayı aldık! Reasons: Word by word translation doesn’t give the actual meaning. In fact, this phrase, which seems to be negative, is used in a positive sense in Turkish. It means nothing missing or even more. When, it is translated word for word in the target language, it loses its semantic meaning.

YOLCUDUR ABBAS BAĞLASAN DURMAZ

Definition: A person will leave the place or travel soon and nothing can stop him/her. (Abbas is a passenger, even if you tie him, he won’t stop) (Abbas will leave even if you want him to stay) The context of use: It is used for the people who already decide to leave no matter what happens. Examples: Berin: Ya biraz daha oturun daha saat erken ! Zühre ve Selda: Olsun biz kalkalım eve yetişelim yolcudur abbas bağlasan durmaz ! Reasons: In English they say “Let’s hit the road, (Jack)” but, in Turkish we say this idiom “Yolcudur abbas bağlasan durmaz.” It shows us the cultural differences. It is very difficult to translate something from different culture. --

Contributors Acemyan, Linda; Ak, Kemal ; Arslan, Ahmet Emre; Binici, Burhan ; Bükücü, Duygu; Cinkılıç, Özlem Dilara ; Demir, Ebiha ; Diler, İlker ; Duran, Berin Zehra; Ebeköy, Onur ; Eriten, Önem ; Erol, Merve ; Eröge, Şule Nur; Kara, Hilmi Karahan; Karaarslan, Halime Zeynep; Karabaşoğlu, Büşra ; Kılıçlar, Bayram Batuhan; Kızıltaş, Oğuzhan ; Koçak, Özge ; Kurt, Beyza ; Ören, Beste ; Özdemir, Berkay; Özütler, Nisa Nur; Özyaz, Seremnaz ; Reis, Kağan ; Sabuncular, Barış; Savaş, Zühre ; Savran, Seray Nur; Selim, Beyza ; Selimoğlu, Sena; Subaşı, Barış ; Tanrıverdi, Murat Arda; Topaloğlu, Gökçe ; Yener, Samet ; Yılmaz, Ezgi Nur; Yılmaz, Selda ; Yollu, Gamze ; Yurteri, Mehmet; Günay, Devrim

References: Chesterman, A. (2016). Memes of translation: The spread of ideas in translation theory (Vol. 123). John Benjamins Publishing Company. House, J. (2015). Translation as communication across languages and cultures. Routledge.