Signification
To have the maturity to comprehend something.
Contexte culturel
In traditional Turkish families, there is a clear boundary between 'adult talk' and 'child talk'. 'Aklı yetmek' is the linguistic gatekeeper of this boundary. Sufi traditions often discuss the limits of 'akıl' (human reason) versus 'kalp' (the heart). They might say human 'akıl' cannot 'yetmek' to the mysteries of the Divine. Teachers often use this phrase to encourage students, suggesting that as they grow, their 'akıl' will 'yetmek' to harder problems. Classic movies often feature a 'naive' character whose 'aklı yetmiyor' to the schemes of city villains, highlighting a rural-urban divide in 'street smarts'.
The Dative Secret
Always look for the -e or -a suffix on the word before 'aklı yetmek'. If it's not there, the sentence is likely wrong!
Don't be Rude
Be careful using this with adults. Saying 'Senin buna aklın yetmez' is like calling someone a child.
Signification
To have the maturity to comprehend something.
The Dative Secret
Always look for the -e or -a suffix on the word before 'aklı yetmek'. If it's not there, the sentence is likely wrong!
Don't be Rude
Be careful using this with adults. Saying 'Senin buna aklın yetmez' is like calling someone a child.
Negative is King
This phrase is actually more common in the negative ('aklım yetmiyor') than the positive. Use it when you're genuinely stumped by life's mysteries.
Teste-toi
Fill in the blank with the correct form of 'aklı yetmek'.
O zamanlar çok küçüktüm, bu olaylara hiç ______.
The sentence refers to a past state ('O zamanlar'), so the past continuous negative is the most natural fit.
Which sentence uses the correct case for the object?
Choose the correct sentence:
'Aklı yetmek' always takes the Dative case (-e/-a).
Match the sentence to the most likely speaker.
Sentence: 'Senin henüz böyle büyük paralara aklın yetmez.'
This phrase is most commonly used by elders to describe a child's lack of experience with complex adult matters like money.
Complete the dialogue naturally.
Ayşe: 'Kuantum fiziği hakkında ne düşünüyorsun?' Mehmet: 'Valla Ayşe, ______.'
Mehmet is admitting the subject is too complex for him using the Dative 'ona'.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesO zamanlar çok küçüktüm, bu olaylara hiç ______.
The sentence refers to a past state ('O zamanlar'), so the past continuous negative is the most natural fit.
Choose the correct sentence:
'Aklı yetmek' always takes the Dative case (-e/-a).
Sentence: 'Senin henüz böyle büyük paralara aklın yetmez.'
This phrase is most commonly used by elders to describe a child's lack of experience with complex adult matters like money.
Ayşe: 'Kuantum fiziği hakkında ne düşünüyorsun?' Mehmet: 'Valla Ayşe, ______.'
Mehmet is admitting the subject is too complex for him using the Dative 'ona'.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsYes, if the problem is very complex and requires a higher level of thinking than you currently have.
Not quite. 'Anlamak' is just 'to understand'. 'Aklı yetmek' implies you have the maturity or capacity to understand.
This is due to vowel dropping in Turkish. When a suffix starting with a vowel is added to 'akıl', the second 'ı' drops.
No, for strength you would use 'gücü yetmek'.
It's a bit idiomatic. In a very formal report, use 'kavramak' or 'idrak etmek'.
There isn't a single word, but you would just use the negative: 'aklı yetmemek'.
Not necessarily. It usually implies they are too young or lack the specific experience needed.
No, that sounds very strange. It's always used in relation to a specific topic.
You can say 'Aklım ermeye başladı'.
Yes, it is a standard idiom used across the country.
Expressions liées
aklı ermek
synonymTo reach an understanding.
aklı kesmek
similarTo be convinced or to believe something is possible.
aklına koymak
builds onTo set one's mind on doing something.
akıl hocalığı yapmak
contrastTo give unsolicited advice.
