Signification
Constantly switching topics or activities.
Contexte culturel
The concept of 'Muhabbet' (deep conversation) is central. Jumping topics too much can be seen as a lack of respect for the 'muhabbet's' soul. In Turkish business culture, building a relationship comes before the deal. However, being 'daldan dala' in a presentation can make you look unprofessional or unprepared. Many Turkish proverbs use birds and trees. The bird is often a symbol of the human soul or mind, which is naturally restless. With the rise of social media, 'daldan dala' is now used to describe the 'scrolling' habit or jumping between different digital trends.
Use with 'Konmak'
While 'daldan dala' is an adverb, it sounds most natural when followed by the verb 'konmak' (to perch).
Don't be too harsh
Saying this to a superior might sound like you're calling them disorganized. Use it with friends or equals.
Signification
Constantly switching topics or activities.
Use with 'Konmak'
While 'daldan dala' is an adverb, it sounds most natural when followed by the verb 'konmak' (to perch).
Don't be too harsh
Saying this to a superior might sound like you're calling them disorganized. Use it with friends or equals.
The -dan -a pattern
Master this pattern! It works for 'evden eve' (moving house) and 'şehirden şehre' (traveling between cities) too.
Muhabbet Etiquette
In a Turkish tea house, 'daldan dala' is expected to some degree—it shows you have many things to share!
Teste-toi
Fill in the blanks with the correct suffixes.
Kuş dal____ dal____ konuyor.
The pattern is -dan (from) and -a (to).
Which sentence uses the idiom correctly to mean 'switching topics'?
Hangisi doğru?
Option B uses the idiom figuratively to describe a lack of focus on a task.
Match the response to the situation.
Arkadaşınız önce tatilden, sonra ekonomiden, sonra da kedisinden bahsetti. Ne dersiniz?
Option A is a natural reaction to someone switching topics rapidly.
Complete the dialogue.
Ayşe: 'Dün yemek yaptım, sonra kitap okudum, aslında yarın işe gitmek istemiyorum...' Mehmet: 'Ayşe, yine _________.'
Ayşe is jumping between unrelated topics, which is 'daldan dala konmak'.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Daldan Dala vs. Maymun İştahlı
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesKuş dal____ dal____ konuyor.
The pattern is -dan (from) and -a (to).
Hangisi doğru?
Option B uses the idiom figuratively to describe a lack of focus on a task.
Arkadaşınız önce tatilden, sonra ekonomiden, sonra da kedisinden bahsetti. Ne dersiniz?
Option A is a natural reaction to someone switching topics rapidly.
Ayşe: 'Dün yemek yaptım, sonra kitap okudum, aslında yarın işe gitmek istemiyorum...' Mehmet: 'Ayşe, yine _________.'
Ayşe is jumping between unrelated topics, which is 'daldan dala konmak'.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
12 questionsUsually, yes. It implies a lack of focus or consistency. However, in a very casual chat, it might just mean the person is excited.
Yes, you can say 'O daldan dala konan biridir' to describe someone who is flighty or fickle.
'Atlamak' means jumping, 'konmak' means perching. Both are used, but 'konmak' is more common for the bird metaphor.
You can, and people will understand, but it's not the standard idiom.
You could say 'konudan konuya geçmek' (passing from topic to topic) for a more neutral/formal tone.
Yes, it can describe someone who dates many people for short periods.
Yes, to describe a company that changes its strategy too often.
'Dal' means 'branch' of a tree.
It's a short, open 'a' like in 'father'.
Very common! Parents say it to children who won't focus on their food or homework.
No, it's a standard idiom (deyim), but it is informal.
Rarely. Maybe if you are praising someone's wide range of knowledge, but even then, it's risky.
Expressions liées
maymun iştahlı
similarFickle, losing interest quickly.
konuyu dağıtmak
similarTo digress or get off topic.
ayran gönüllü
similarSomeone who falls in love or changes their mind easily.
dallanıp budaklanmak
contrastFor a problem to get complicated and grow branches.
