Signification
Don't mock others, misfortune can find you.
Contexte culturel
The concept of 'Komşuluk' (neighborliness) is sacred. Neighbors are often considered closer than distant relatives. Mocking a neighbor is seen as a betrayal of this social contract. In villages, the proverb is a way to keep the 'Evil Eye' (Nazar) away. Arrogance is believed to attract bad luck. Similar proverbs exist in Bulgarian and Greek cultures, showing the deep Ottoman influence on the shared moral landscape of the Balkans. Even in big cities like Istanbul, this proverb is used to criticize 'trolls' on social media who celebrate others' failures.
Use it as a shield
If someone is mocking you, you can say this proverb to them as a polite way to tell them to stop.
Don't be too harsh
Saying this to a superior at work might be seen as disrespectful. Keep it for peers or younger people.
Signification
Don't mock others, misfortune can find you.
Use it as a shield
If someone is mocking you, you can say this proverb to them as a polite way to tell them to stop.
Don't be too harsh
Saying this to a superior at work might be seen as disrespectful. Keep it for peers or younger people.
The 'Neighbor' is anyone
In modern Turkish, 'komşu' in this proverb refers to anyone you interact with, not just the person living next door.
Teste-toi
Complete the proverb with the correct word.
Gülme komşuna, gelir _______.
The canonical form uses 'başına' (to your head).
Which situation best fits the proverb 'Gülme komşuna gelir başına'?
Situation: Ayşe's friend failed a driving test. Ayşe laughed at her. The next week, Ayşe also failed her test.
This situation perfectly illustrates the karmic warning of the proverb.
Complete the dialogue.
Ali: 'Hahaha! Ahmet'in yeni telefonu kırılmış!' Can: 'Ali, öyle deme. _______.'
Can is warning Ali not to mock Ahmet's misfortune.
Match the Turkish proverb components to their English meanings.
1. Gülme, 2. Komşuna, 3. Gelir, 4. Başına
This breaks down the literal components of the phrase.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesGülme komşuna, gelir _______.
The canonical form uses 'başına' (to your head).
Situation: Ayşe's friend failed a driving test. Ayşe laughed at her. The next week, Ayşe also failed her test.
This situation perfectly illustrates the karmic warning of the proverb.
Ali: 'Hahaha! Ahmet'in yeni telefonu kırılmış!' Can: 'Ali, öyle deme. _______.'
Can is warning Ali not to mock Ahmet's misfortune.
Associez chaque element a gauche avec son pair a droite :
This breaks down the literal components of the phrase.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsWhile it aligns with Islamic principles of humility, it is a secular folk proverb used by everyone in Turkey regardless of faith.
No, it is strictly for negative events or misfortunes. You wouldn't say it if someone 'accidentally' won the lottery.
In Turkish, 'baş' often symbolizes the whole person or their fate. 'Başına gelmek' is a standard idiom for 'to happen to someone'.
It depends on the tone. It can be a friendly reminder or a sharp rebuke.
Yes, very much so. It's one of the most 'alive' proverbs in modern Turkish.
'Baş' is the traditional, more formal word used in proverbs. 'Kafa' is more anatomical and casual.
You can, but it's no longer the 'proverb'. The proverb's power comes from the word 'komşu'.
Yes, just saying 'Gülme komşuna...' and trailing off is very common.
Not necessarily. It's more of a warning about the natural order of things.
It's like the 'e' in 'the' when spoken quickly. A neutral, mid-vowel sound.
Expressions liées
Eden bulur
similarHe who does, finds (his reward/punishment).
Bugün bana, yarın sana
similarToday to me, tomorrow to you.
Son gülen iyi güler
contrastHe who laughs last, laughs best.
Men dakka dukka
synonymHe who knocks will be knocked upon (Arabic origin).
