Signification
Forgiving a mistake.
Contexte culturel
In Turkey, guests are considered 'Tanrı Misafiri' (God's Guest). If a guest breaks something, the host must use 'Canın sağ olsun' to ensure the guest feels no shame. Fans often use 'Canınız sağ olsun' for their team after a hard-fought loss to show that they still support the players despite the result. In small businesses (esnaf culture), if a customer realizes they are short on change, the shopkeeper might say 'Canın sağ olsun, sonra verirsin' to build trust. The phrase reflects the belief that the 'Can' (soul) is a loan from God, and material objects are temporary. Forgiving a mistake is a way to honor the soul.
The Smile Factor
Always say this with a warm smile. The tone of voice is what makes it sincere rather than sarcastic.
Not for Thanks
Never use this to say 'You're welcome.' It will sound like you are forgiving them for being nice to you!
Signification
Forgiving a mistake.
The Smile Factor
Always say this with a warm smile. The tone of voice is what makes it sincere rather than sarcastic.
Not for Thanks
Never use this to say 'You're welcome.' It will sound like you are forgiving them for being nice to you!
Plurality Matters
Use 'Canınız sağ olsun' for elders or strangers to show extra respect while being kind.
Texting Shortcut
In texts, people sometimes just write 'Canın sağolsun' (one word), though two words is grammatically correct.
Teste-toi
Match the situation to the best response.
Your friend accidentally drops your phone and the screen cracks. They are almost crying.
This is the perfect situation to use 'Canın sağ olsun' to comfort your friend and show the phone doesn't matter as much as they do.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Çok özür dilerim, vazoyu kırdım. B: __________, üzülme.
When someone breaks something (vazo = vase), 'Canın sağ olsun' is the standard response.
Choose the most natural response for a formal setting.
Garson: Efendim, siparişinizi yanlış getirdim, hemen değiştiriyorum.
Using the plural 'Canınız' makes the phrase more polite and appropriate for a customer-staff interaction.
In which situation is 'Canın sağ olsun' NOT appropriate?
Select the wrong context:
You should say 'Teşekkür ederim' for a gift. 'Canın sağ olsun' is for mistakes or losses.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Canın Sağ Olsun vs. Sağlık Olsun
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesYour friend accidentally drops your phone and the screen cracks. They are almost crying.
This is the perfect situation to use 'Canın sağ olsun' to comfort your friend and show the phone doesn't matter as much as they do.
A: Çok özür dilerim, vazoyu kırdım. B: __________, üzülme.
When someone breaks something (vazo = vase), 'Canın sağ olsun' is the standard response.
Garson: Efendim, siparişinizi yanlış getirdim, hemen değiştiriyorum.
Using the plural 'Canınız' makes the phrase more polite and appropriate for a customer-staff interaction.
Select the wrong context:
You should say 'Teşekkür ederim' for a gift. 'Canın sağ olsun' is for mistakes or losses.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsNo, you cannot say it to yourself to forgive yourself. You say 'Özür dilerim' and wait for the other person to say 'Canın sağ olsun.'
Yes, if a client or partner apologizes for a minor delay, 'Canınız sağ olsun' is a very polite and warm way to maintain the relationship.
'Canın sağ olsun' is personal (your soul). 'Sağlık olsun' is general (let there be health) and used for things like bad weather or bad luck.
It is neutral. It's safe to use with your boss (as 'Canınız sağ olsun') or your best friend.
Yes, if someone repeatedly makes the same mistake, saying it with a flat tone can imply 'Fine, whatever, I'm used to your failures.' But this is rare.
It means both. In this context, it refers to the person's existence and well-being.
In Turkish, 'yumuşak g' (ğ) is never at the beginning of a word and usually just lengthens the vowel before it.
You can say 'Sağ ol' (Thank you) or 'Çok naziksin' (You are very kind).
Yes, it is a universal Turkish expression used from Istanbul to Erzurum.
Yes, it is often used in songs to say 'No worries that you left me, as long as you are happy/healthy.'
Expressions liées
Sağlık olsun
similarMay there be health.
Feda olsun
builds onLet it be sacrificed.
Zararı yok
synonymNo harm done.
Önemli değil
synonymNot important.
Geçmiş olsun
contrastMay it pass.
