Signification
Something that does not concern you.
Contexte culturel
In big cities like Istanbul, this phrase is a shield against the 'mahalle baskısı' (neighborhood pressure). It is a way for modern individuals to claim their autonomy. The phrase reflects the highly structured nature of Ottoman life, where every official had a 'berat' (decree) defining their exact duties. To act without a 'vazife' was to challenge the Sultan's order. Elders often feel that everything their children do is their 'vazife'. When a young person uses this phrase against an elder, it is a sign of a significant generational shift and can be seen as very rebellious. In Turkish companies, hierarchy is strictly respected. Using this phrase can be a way to remind a peer that they are not your boss.
Softening the Blow
If you want to sound less aggressive, start with 'Yanlış anlama ama...' (Don't get me wrong but...) before using the phrase.
Hierarchy Matters
Never use this with your boss or an older family member unless you want to start a major conflict. It is a 'boundary' phrase that can feel like a 'slap'.
Signification
Something that does not concern you.
Softening the Blow
If you want to sound less aggressive, start with 'Yanlış anlama ama...' (Don't get me wrong but...) before using the phrase.
Hierarchy Matters
Never use this with your boss or an older family member unless you want to start a major conflict. It is a 'boundary' phrase that can feel like a 'slap'.
The 'Üstüne' Variant
In daily spoken Turkish, 'üstüne' is 80% more common than 'üzerine'. Use 'üstüne' to sound more like a native speaker in casual settings.
Teste-toi
Fill in the blank with the correct form of the phrase.
Benim özel hayatım hakkında soru sormak senin ________ değil.
Since the speaker is addressing 'senin' (your), the correct form is 'üzerine'.
Which response is the most appropriate and firm way to tell a nosy neighbor to mind their business?
Neighbor: 'Neden hala iş bulamadın?'
Option B directly addresses the boundary violation using the idiom.
Complete the dialogue between two colleagues.
Can: 'Müdürün odasında ne konuştunuz?' Elif: 'Can, lütfen ________________. Bu gizli bir görüşmeydi.'
Elif is telling Can not to interfere in things that don't concern him.
Match the sentence to the correct context.
1. 'Bu bizim üzerimize vazife değil.' 2. 'Üzerine vazife olmayan işlere burnunu sokma.' 3. 'Üzerime vazife değil ama söylemem lazım.'
1-B (Plural 'bizim'), 2-A (Direct warning), 3-C (Softening an intrusion).
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesBenim özel hayatım hakkında soru sormak senin ________ değil.
Since the speaker is addressing 'senin' (your), the correct form is 'üzerine'.
Neighbor: 'Neden hala iş bulamadın?'
Option B directly addresses the boundary violation using the idiom.
Can: 'Müdürün odasında ne konuştunuz?' Elif: 'Can, lütfen ________________. Bu gizli bir görüşmeydi.'
Elif is telling Can not to interfere in things that don't concern him.
1. 'Bu bizim üzerimize vazife değil.' 2. 'Üzerine vazife olmayan işlere burnunu sokma.' 3. 'Üzerime vazife değil ama söylemem lazım.'
1-B (Plural 'bizim'), 2-A (Direct warning), 3-C (Softening an intrusion).
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsNot necessarily. In a professional context, it can be a factual statement about job descriptions. However, in social settings, it is usually a firm rebuff.
Yes! 'Bu benim üzerime vazife değil' is a great way to decline a task you aren't responsible for.
There is no difference in meaning. 'Üstüne' is slightly more informal and common in speech.
You can say 'Bu konu beni ilgilendiriyor' (This matter concerns me) or 'Lütfen müdahale etmeyin' (Please do not interfere).
Yes, 'üzerine vazife olmayan işler' is the most common way to use it as an adjective phrase.
It is an older word of Arabic origin, but it is still very much alive and used daily in Turkish.
The opposite would be 'üzerine vazife olmak' (to be one's duty/concern).
Yes, parents often tell children 'Büyüklerin işi senin üzerine vazife değil' (Adults' business is none of your concern).
Yes, 'üzerimize vazife değil' (It's not our business).
Frequently. It's a staple in Turkish novels to describe social friction and boundary crossing.
Expressions liées
haddini bilmek
similarTo know one's place/limits.
burnunu sokmak
builds onTo stick one's nose into something.
vazife çıkarmak
contrastTo invent a duty for oneself.
sana ne
synonymWhat is it to you? / None of your business.
