Bedeutung
Not doing what you promised.
Kultureller Hintergrund
In traditional Anatolian culture, 'söz' is considered a person's most valuable asset. A 'sözünün eri' (man of his word) is the highest character praise one can receive. While modern contracts are standard, many business relationships in Turkey are still built on verbal trust. Breaking a verbal agreement can damage a reputation more than a legal dispute. Respect for the 'word' of elders is paramount. A child 'chewing' the word of a parent is seen as a significant sign of disrespect, beyond just disobedience. Classic Turkish literature often uses this idiom to highlight the tragic downfall of characters who betray their oaths.
Use with Possessives
Always use the possessive form (sözümü, sözünü, sözümüzü) to sound more natural. 'Sözü çiğnemek' sounds like a dictionary entry; 'Sözünü çiğnedin' sounds like a native speaker.
Don't be too harsh
This idiom is strong. If someone just forgot a small thing, use 'unuttun' (you forgot) instead. 'Sözünü çiğnedin' implies a moral failing.
Bedeutung
Not doing what you promised.
Use with Possessives
Always use the possessive form (sözümü, sözünü, sözümüzü) to sound more natural. 'Sözü çiğnemek' sounds like a dictionary entry; 'Sözünü çiğnedin' sounds like a native speaker.
Don't be too harsh
This idiom is strong. If someone just forgot a small thing, use 'unuttun' (you forgot) instead. 'Sözünü çiğnedin' implies a moral failing.
Honor Context
In traditional settings, using this phrase can be taken as a serious insult to someone's honor. Use it carefully in formal or sensitive social situations.
Teste dich selbst
Fill in the blank with the correct form of the idiom.
Bana yardım edeceğine yemin etmiştin ama şimdi ______.
The correct idiom is 'sözünü çiğnemek'. 'Yemek' (to eat) is used in 'lafını yemek' but not usually for promises in this way. 'Kırmak' and 'İçmek' are incorrect.
Which sentence uses the idiom correctly in a formal context?
Choose the best option:
This sentence uses the idiom in a professional, formal context correctly, emphasizing the company's integrity.
Complete the dialogue.
Ayşe: 'Yarın pikniğe gidiyoruz, değil mi?' Mehmet: 'Üzgünüm, çalışmam lazım.' Ayşe: 'Yine ______!'
Since Mehmet is cancelling the plan he previously agreed to, Ayşe accuses him of breaking his word.
Match the situation to the most appropriate use of the idiom.
Situation: A politician promised lower taxes but raised them instead.
'Sözünü kesmek' means to interrupt. 'Sözünü balla kesmek' is a polite way to interrupt. 'Sözünü tartmak' means to weigh one's words carefully. 'Sözünü çiğnemek' is the only one that fits breaking a promise.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Visuelle Lernhilfen
Breaking vs. Chewing
Aufgabensammlung
4 AufgabenBana yardım edeceğine yemin etmiştin ama şimdi ______.
The correct idiom is 'sözünü çiğnemek'. 'Yemek' (to eat) is used in 'lafını yemek' but not usually for promises in this way. 'Kırmak' and 'İçmek' are incorrect.
Choose the best option:
This sentence uses the idiom in a professional, formal context correctly, emphasizing the company's integrity.
Ayşe: 'Yarın pikniğe gidiyoruz, değil mi?' Mehmet: 'Üzgünüm, çalışmam lazım.' Ayşe: 'Yine ______!'
Since Mehmet is cancelling the plan he previously agreed to, Ayşe accuses him of breaking his word.
Situation: A politician promised lower taxes but raised them instead.
'Sözünü kesmek' means to interrupt. 'Sözünü balla kesmek' is a polite way to interrupt. 'Sözünü tartmak' means to weigh one's words carefully. 'Sözünü çiğnemek' is the only one that fits breaking a promise.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Häufig gestellte Fragen
12 FragenYes, you can say 'yasaları çiğnemek' (to break/disregard laws). It uses the same verb 'çiğnemek' and follows the same logic of trampling over a rule.
It is understood but less common than 'sözünü çiğnemek' or 'sözünden dönmek'. 'Lafını yemek' is more common for taking back a statement.
The most common opposite is 'sözünde durmak' (to stand by one's word).
Not directly. If someone broke a promise to love you, you can say 'sözünü çiğnedi', but it sounds more like a broken contract than a romantic sentiment.
It is neutral. You can use it with friends, but you will also see it in newspapers and books.
No, you can 'çiğnemek' other things like 'kuralları' (rules), 'yasakları' (prohibitions), or 'ilkeleri' (principles).
You say 'Sözümü çiğnemem' or 'Sözümden dönmem'.
'Sözünden dönmek' is slightly softer, like 'I changed my mind.' 'Sözünü çiğnemek' is harsher, like 'You disregarded your promise.'
You might use it to describe your values: 'Ben asla sözümü çiğnemem' (I never break my word). It shows reliability.
It's a metaphor for mangling or destroying the integrity of something that should be solid and respected.
In standard Istanbul Turkish, it is not pronounced as a consonant; it just makes the 'i' sound longer.
Yes, if the appointment was a firm promise. 'Randevuya gelmeyerek sözünü çiğnedi.'
Verwandte Redewendungen
sözünden dönmek
synonymTo go back on one's word
sözünde durmak
contrastTo keep one's promise
söz vermek
builds onTo give one's word/promise
lafını yutmak
similarTo swallow one's words
vaat etmek
similarTo promise/vow
