Signification
Being in private with someone.
Contexte culturel
In Turkish hospitality, it is actually quite difficult to stay 'baş başa'. Guests are often treated as a group, and 'baş başa' time is a deliberate choice to seek intimacy. Important decisions in Turkish business are often not made in big boardrooms but in 'baş başa' meetings over tea or dinner. Many Turkish poems use 'baş başa' to describe the soul's relationship with God or nature, showing its spiritual depth. In cities like Istanbul, 'baş başa' cafes are specifically designed with high-backed booths to give couples privacy.
The 'Two' Rule
Always remember this is for TWO people. If you are a group, use 'yalnız kalmak'.
Abstract Usage
Use it with abstract nouns like 'vicdan' (conscience) or 'kader' (fate) to sound more poetic and advanced.
Signification
Being in private with someone.
The 'Two' Rule
Always remember this is for TWO people. If you are a group, use 'yalnız kalmak'.
Abstract Usage
Use it with abstract nouns like 'vicdan' (conscience) or 'kader' (fate) to sound more poetic and advanced.
Don't say 'Kafa kafaya'
While 'kafa' means head, 'kafa kafaya kalmak' sounds like two cars crashed into each other!
Teste-toi
Fill in the blank with the correct form of 'baş başa kalmak'.
Dün akşam restoranda eşimle ________.
Since the subject is 'eşimle' (with my spouse), the verb should be 1st person plural (we) -> 'kaldık'.
Which situation is most appropriate for 'baş başa kalmak'?
A situation where you want to use this phrase:
The phrase implies two people in private. A meeting with a lawyer is a classic 'baş başa' scenario.
Choose the sentence that uses the phrase correctly.
Which one is correct?
You can be 'baş başa' with your thoughts. Option A is wrong because of 'three friends'. Option C is awkward (should be 'baş başa sinemaya gittik'). Option D uses 'gelmek' instead of 'kalmak'.
🎉 Score : /3
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
3 exercicesDün akşam restoranda eşimle ________.
Since the subject is 'eşimle' (with my spouse), the verb should be 1st person plural (we) -> 'kaldık'.
A situation where you want to use this phrase:
The phrase implies two people in private. A meeting with a lawyer is a classic 'baş başa' scenario.
Which one is correct?
You can be 'baş başa' with your thoughts. Option A is wrong because of 'three friends'. Option C is awkward (should be 'baş başa sinemaya gittik'). Option D uses 'gelmek' instead of 'kalmak'.
🎉 Score : /3
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsYes, it is very common for private, one-on-one professional discussions.
No, though it is very common there, it can be used for friends, family, or even being alone with a problem.
'Yalnız kalmak' means to be alone (usually 1 person). 'Baş başa kalmak' means two people are alone together.
You say: 'Seninle baş başa kalmak istiyorum.'
Technically no, as 'baş başa' implies two heads. For three, use 'baş başa' is not appropriate.
It is neutral. You can use it with your boss or your best friend.
Usually, but it can also mean just sharing a space or a moment in silence.
Yes, you can be 'baş başa' with a book, a problem, or a memory.
According to TDK (Turkish Language Association), it is written as two separate words: 'baş başa'.
'Kalabalığa karışmak' (to join the crowd) or 'toplum içine çıkmak'.
Expressions liées
baş başa vermek
similarTo cooperate or brainstorm.
yalnız kalmak
synonymTo be alone.
göz göze gelmek
similarTo make eye contact.
baş uca
builds onAt the bedside.
