Signification
A long-time acquaintance.
Contexte culturel
The song 'Eski Dostlar' is a cultural staple. It's often sung in groups at the end of a night of drinking rakı, symbolizing that despite life's hardships, friendships remain. An 'eski dost' is someone who doesn't need an invitation. They are considered 'ev sahibi' (host) even in your own home because of the years of shared history. The proverb 'Eski dost düşman olmaz, yenisinden vefa gelmez' suggests that an old friend will never truly become an enemy, and one shouldn't expect the same loyalty from a new acquaintance. In Turkey, 'Eski Dostlar' is a very common name for WhatsApp groups consisting of high school or university alumni.
The 'Vefa' Connection
When you call someone 'eski dost', you are complimenting their loyalty. It's a high honor in Turkish culture.
Don't use for 'Exes'
If you mean 'ex-boyfriend', say 'eski sevgilim'. 'Eski dost' implies you are still friends.
Signification
A long-time acquaintance.
The 'Vefa' Connection
When you call someone 'eski dost', you are complimenting their loyalty. It's a high honor in Turkish culture.
Don't use for 'Exes'
If you mean 'ex-boyfriend', say 'eski sevgilim'. 'Eski dost' implies you are still friends.
Add 'Can'
To make it even warmer, say 'Eski bir can dostum'. It sounds very native and heartfelt.
Coffee context
Mentioning 'eski dostlar' while drinking Turkish coffee is the ultimate cultural cliché (in a good way!).
Teste-toi
Fill in the blank with the correct adjective (eski or yaşlı).
Onunla 20 yıldır tanışıyoruz, o benim çok ______ dostumdur.
We use 'eski' for duration of time in relationships.
Which sentence is the most natural way to introduce a childhood friend?
Çocukluk arkadaşınızı nasıl tanıtırsınız?
'Eski dost' is the standard warm way to introduce a long-time friend.
Complete the dialogue.
Ayşe: 'Dün kimi gördüm tahmin et! İlkokul arkadaşımız Can'ı!' Mehmet: 'Hadi canım! Vay be, ______ ______ ne yapıyor acaba?'
Mehmet is referring back to the long-time friend they both know.
Match the phrase to the situation.
Which phrase fits a 50th-anniversary friendship celebration?
'Kadim' is the more formal/intense version of 'eski', perfect for a 50-year bond.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Eski vs. Yaşlı
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesOnunla 20 yıldır tanışıyoruz, o benim çok ______ dostumdur.
We use 'eski' for duration of time in relationships.
Çocukluk arkadaşınızı nasıl tanıtırsınız?
'Eski dost' is the standard warm way to introduce a long-time friend.
Ayşe: 'Dün kimi gördüm tahmin et! İlkokul arkadaşımız Can'ı!' Mehmet: 'Hadi canım! Vay be, ______ ______ ne yapıyor acaba?'
Mehmet is referring back to the long-time friend they both know.
Which phrase fits a 50th-anniversary friendship celebration?
'Kadim' is the more formal/intense version of 'eski', perfect for a 50-year bond.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
14 questionsYes, 'dost' is gender-neutral in Turkish. It applies to everyone.
'Dost' implies a much deeper, more intimate bond than 'arkadaş'. 'Eski dost' is more emotional.
It is neutral. You can use it with your boss (if you've known them a long time) or your cousin.
You say 'eski dostlarım'.
No, in this context, 'eski' is always positive, implying 'proven by time'.
Yes, 'eski dostlar'. It's very common.
Yes! People often call their old dogs 'eski dostum'.
It's a more formal, poetic version of 'eski dost'.
It's the perfect thing to say! It bridges the time gap immediately.
Usually no. It means a friend you have had for a long time and still have.
'Yeni arkadaş' (new friend) or 'eski düşman' (old enemy).
Only if you actually have a long-term personal relationship with the person.
It's a way of celebrating the group's history and shared memories.
Yes, it comes from Persian 'dost', which is related to the Hindi 'dost'.
Expressions liées
kadim dost
specialized formAncient/eternal friend
çocukluk arkadaşı
similarChildhood friend
can dostu
similarSoul friend
eski düşman
contrastOld enemy
yol arkadaşı
builds onCompanion on the road
