المعنى
To cause great trouble or destruction to someone.
خلفية ثقافية
The idiom is a secularized version of the 'Talkin' prayer. It shows how religious rituals often seep into the common language as metaphors for finality. Turkish people often use hyperbole (exaggeration) to express frustration. 'Canına okumak' is a prime example of being 'dramatically' upset. In many Turkic cultures, 'Can' is more than just 'life.' It is used as a term of endearment (Canım). To 'read to the can' is therefore a very personal and deep metaphor. In Turkish workplaces, the 'boss' is often depicted as a figure who 'reads to the soul' of the employees, reflecting a traditionally high-pressure work environment.
Use with Objects
Don't forget you can use this for objects! If you drop your laptop, it's perfectly natural to say 'Laptopun canına okudum.'
Too Aggressive?
Be careful with the tone. If you say this to a stranger, it sounds like a real threat. Use it mostly with friends or to complain about situations.
المعنى
To cause great trouble or destruction to someone.
Use with Objects
Don't forget you can use this for objects! If you drop your laptop, it's perfectly natural to say 'Laptopun canına okudum.'
Too Aggressive?
Be careful with the tone. If you say this to a stranger, it sounds like a real threat. Use it mostly with friends or to complain about situations.
The 'Resmen' Combo
Turkish speakers often add 'resmen' (literally/officially) for emphasis: 'Resmen canıma okudu!'
Mothers and Idioms
Turkish mothers are the masters of this idiom. You will often hear them say it about messy rooms or naughty kids.
اختبر نفسك
Fill in the blank with the correct form of 'canına okumak'.
Bu sabahki trafik hepimizin ______ ______.
Since the subject is 'hepimizin' (of all of us), the possessive must be 'canımıza' (to our soul).
Which situation is most appropriate for 'canına okumak'?
Hangi durumda bu deyimi kullanırsınız?
The idiom is used for things that cause trouble or are ruined.
Complete the dialogue.
Ali: 'Dün geceki fırtınayı duydun mu?' Veli: 'Evet, bahçedeki bütün ağaçların ______ ______.'
The storm ruined the trees. 'Canına okumuş' is the third person singular/plural form used for objects/nature.
Match the sentence to the meaning.
1. Ayakkabı canıma okudu. 2. Patron canına okudu. 3. Çocuk oyuncağın canına okudu.
The idiom adapts its meaning based on the target (shoes, boss, toy).
🎉 النتيجة: /4
وسائل تعلم بصرية
بنك التمارين
4 تمارينBu sabahki trafik hepimizin ______ ______.
Since the subject is 'hepimizin' (of all of us), the possessive must be 'canımıza' (to our soul).
Hangi durumda bu deyimi kullanırsınız?
The idiom is used for things that cause trouble or are ruined.
Ali: 'Dün geceki fırtınayı duydun mu?' Veli: 'Evet, bahçedeki bütün ağaçların ______ ______.'
The storm ruined the trees. 'Canına okumuş' is the third person singular/plural form used for objects/nature.
1. Ayakkabı canıma okudu. 2. Patron canına okudu. 3. Çocuk oyuncağın canına okudu.
The idiom adapts its meaning based on the target (shoes, boss, toy).
🎉 النتيجة: /4
الأسئلة الشائعة
10 أسئلةNo, it is not a swear word, but it is very informal and can be aggressive. It's safe to use with friends.
Yes! You can say 'Kendi canıma okudum' if you worked yourself too hard or made a big mistake.
'Mahvetmek' is the standard verb for 'to ruin.' 'Canına okumak' is the idiomatic, more colorful version.
Yes, the target of the action always ends in -a or -e (or -ya/-ye).
Absolutely not. It is far too informal for professional writing.
Yes, it is a universal idiom across all regions and dialects of Turkey.
Only if you are joking. For example, if a friend tells a very funny joke that makes you laugh until you cry, you might say 'Canıma okudun!' (You killed me!).
There isn't a direct idiomatic opposite, but 'canına can katmak' (to add life to one's life) means to make someone very happy or refreshed.
Because it refers to the oral tradition of reading prayers for the dead.
Yes, if a dog ruins your garden, you can say 'Köpek bahçenin canına okumuş.'
عبارات ذات صلة
Anasını ağlatmak
synonymTo make someone's mother cry (to ruin/push to the limit).
Canına ot tıkamak
similarTo silence or stop someone completely.
Tozunu attırmak
similarTo beat someone soundly or do a job very well.
Gününü göstermek
similarTo show someone their day (to teach them a lesson).
İçini okumak
contrastTo read someone's mind/inner thoughts.
