المعنى
Listening secretly to hear something
خلفية ثقافية
In traditional Turkish neighborhoods, 'kulak kabartmak' is a survival skill. Knowing what is happening with your neighbors is part of the social fabric, often leading to 'yardımlaşma' (mutual aid) or 'dedikodu' (gossip). In crowded tea gardens, tables are close together. It is socially expected that people might 'kulak kabartmak' to nearby conversations, leading to the polite phrase 'kulak misafiri olmak' if one decides to join in. Historical dramas (like Muhteşem Yüzyıl) frequently show characters 'kulak kabartmak' behind heavy curtains or doors, reflecting the historical reality of information being power in the Ottoman court. In the digital age, 'kulak kabartmak' is used for 'social listening'—monitoring what is being said about a brand or person online.
The 'Curiosity' Marker
Use this idiom when you want to show that a character or person is curious. It adds more flavor than just saying 'dinledi' (listened).
Don't use with 'Seni'
Never say 'Seni kulak kabarttım.' It must be 'Sana kulak kabarttım' (Dative case).
المعنى
Listening secretly to hear something
The 'Curiosity' Marker
Use this idiom when you want to show that a character or person is curious. It adds more flavor than just saying 'dinledi' (listened).
Don't use with 'Seni'
Never say 'Seni kulak kabarttım.' It must be 'Sana kulak kabarttım' (Dative case).
Polite Alternative
If you want to admit you overheard something without sounding like a spy, use 'kulak misafiri oldum' instead.
اختبر نفسك
Fill in the blank with the correct form of the idiom.
Yan masadaki dedikoduları duyunca ister istemez ________.
The context of overhearing gossip (dedikodu) requires 'kulak kabartmak'.
Which sentence uses the idiom correctly with the right case marking?
Choose the correct sentence:
The idiom 'kulak kabartmak' always takes the dative case (-e/-a).
Match the situation to the most appropriate use of the idiom.
You are in a library and you hear two librarians whispering about a missing book you want.
Listening to whispers to get information is the definition of 'kulak kabartmak'.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Neden televizyona bu kadar yakın duruyorsun? B: Ekonomi haberleri başladı, ________.
The speaker is actively trying to catch specific information from the TV.
🎉 النتيجة: /4
وسائل تعلم بصرية
بنك التمارين
4 تمارينYan masadaki dedikoduları duyunca ister istemez ________.
The context of overhearing gossip (dedikodu) requires 'kulak kabartmak'.
Choose the correct sentence:
The idiom 'kulak kabartmak' always takes the dative case (-e/-a).
You are in a library and you hear two librarians whispering about a missing book you want.
Listening to whispers to get information is the definition of 'kulak kabartmak'.
A: Neden televizyona bu kadar yakın duruyorsun? B: Ekonomi haberleri başladı, ________.
The speaker is actively trying to catch specific information from the TV.
🎉 النتيجة: /4
الأسئلة الشائعة
10 أسئلةIt can imply eavesdropping, which is generally considered impolite, but the phrase itself is neutral and descriptive.
Yes, if you suddenly hear a song you like playing in the distance, you can say 'Müziğe kulak kabarttım.'
'Kulak kesilmek' is more intense. It means you are focusing so hard that you can't hear anything else.
Yes, it is very common in novels and journalism.
Yes, this is the literal origin of the phrase. You can use it for your pets.
Not necessarily. It just describes the act of focused listening. The context determines if it's negative.
Yes: 'Herkes bu habere kulak kabartacak.' (Everyone will prick up their ears to this news.)
No, it is almost always used as a verb phrase.
Use 'İstemeden kulak misafiri oldum.'
No, it just implies you tried to hear. You might say 'Kulak kabarttım ama hiçbir şey anlamadım.'
عبارات ذات صلة
kulak misafiri olmak
similarTo overhear something accidentally.
kulak kesilmek
synonymTo be all ears.
kulak asmamak
contrastTo ignore or not care about what is said.
can kulağıyla dinlemek
specialized formTo listen with great devotion.
