Signification
Wanting something that one had to leave behind.
Contexte culturel
When a guest leaves, the host often says 'Aklımız sizde kalacak' (Our minds will stay with you). This is a polite way to say 'We will be thinking of you and worrying until we know you are safe.' Turks distinguish between 'aklı kalmak' (lingering desire) and 'gözü kalmak' (coveting). If someone's 'eye stays' on your new car, it might break down because of the 'nazar.' 'Aklı kalmak' is seen as more innocent. In traditional bazaars, expressing that your 'mind stayed' on an item is a common bargaining tactic or a way to show genuine appreciation for a craftsman's work. Turkish parents often use this phrase to describe their constant state of concern for their children, even when the children are adults living abroad.
The 'Possessive' Rule
Always remember to change the possessive: Aklım (mine), Aklın (yours), Aklı (his/hers). The verb 'kalmak' usually stays in the 3rd person singular 'kaldı'.
Don't use with -i
Never say 'Arabayı aklım kaldı.' It must be 'Arabada aklım kaldı.' The locative case is mandatory.
Signification
Wanting something that one had to leave behind.
The 'Possessive' Rule
Always remember to change the possessive: Aklım (mine), Aklın (yours), Aklı (his/hers). The verb 'kalmak' usually stays in the 3rd person singular 'kaldı'.
Don't use with -i
Never say 'Arabayı aklım kaldı.' It must be 'Arabada aklım kaldı.' The locative case is mandatory.
Reassurance
If someone says 'Aklım sende kaldı,' they are being sweet. Respond with 'Aklın bende kalmasın' (Don't worry about me) to reassure them.
Teste-toi
Fill in the blanks with the correct form of 'aklı kalmak' and the correct case marker.
O güzel ev____ aklım ______. Keşke param olsaydı da alsaydım.
The object (ev) needs the locative case (-de) and the past tense (kaldı) is most natural here.
Which sentence is the most natural use of 'aklı kalmak'?
Aşağıdaki cümlelerin hangisi doğrudur?
This correctly uses the idiom to express worry about a person.
Match the situation to the correct phrase.
Situation: You left your little brother alone at home for the first time.
'Aklım kalmak' is the standard way to express being worried about someone you left.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Neden o ayakkabıları almadın? B: Çok pahalıydı ama ________.
This is the classic 'shopping regret' usage.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Aklı Kalmak vs. Gözü Kalmak
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesO güzel ev____ aklım ______. Keşke param olsaydı da alsaydım.
The object (ev) needs the locative case (-de) and the past tense (kaldı) is most natural here.
Aşağıdaki cümlelerin hangisi doğrudur?
This correctly uses the idiom to express worry about a person.
Situation: You left your little brother alone at home for the first time.
'Aklım kalmak' is the standard way to express being worried about someone you left.
A: Neden o ayakkabıları almadın? B: Çok pahalıydı ama ________.
This is the classic 'shopping regret' usage.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
12 questionsYes, but it usually implies you just left them or you are worried about them. If you just want to say you are thinking of them, 'Seni düşünüyorum' is more direct.
'Aklımda kaldı' means 'It stayed in my memory' (I learned it). 'Aklım [bir şeyde] kaldı' means 'I still want/worry about that thing.' They are different!
It's neutral. You can use it with your boss to explain why you are distracted, or with a shopkeeper.
Yes: 'O gün o tatlıyı yemedim, hala aklım onda.' (I didn't eat that dessert that day, my mind is still on it.)
'Özlemek' is 'to miss.' 'Aklı kalmak' is specifically about the mental preoccupation or regret of leaving something.
Not necessarily, but it usually implies a lack of closure or a lingering desire, which can be slightly frustrating.
You say 'Aklın bende kalmasın.'
Yes, if the ending was so good or confusing that you can't stop thinking about it: 'Filmde aklım kaldı.'
Yes, whenever you add a possessive suffix starting with a vowel (aklım, aklın, aklı, aklımız, aklınız).
It's possible if it's a habitual thing, but 'Aklım sende kaldı' is much more common even for current feelings.
Very often! Turkish pop and arabesque songs are full of 'aklım sende kaldı' lyrics.
Yes, 'O hatada aklım kaldı' means you are still mentally stuck on that mistake.
Expressions liées
gözü kalmak
similarTo covet something or look at it with envy.
aklı takılmak
similarTo be stuck on a thought or problem.
içinde kalmak
similarTo have a regret about something not done.
aklı çıkmak
contrastTo be extremely scared.
gönlü kalmak
synonymTo have one's heart stay on something.
