Signification
A choice made by oneself.
Contexte culturel
In Turkish culture, 'Sen bilirsin' is a very common alternative to 'kendi kararın'. It can be supportive, but if said with a sigh, it often means the speaker disagrees but has given up trying to convince you. In Turkish startups, 'kendi kararın' is becoming a mantra for 'ownership' and 'agile' working, moving away from traditional top-down management. On Turkish Instagram or Twitter, 'Kendi kararım' is often used as a hashtag by influencers to defend their life choices against 'mahalle baskısı' (neighborhood/social pressure). The phrase is a key marker of the 'generation gap' in Turkey, as younger generations use it to assert independence from traditional family expectations.
Use it to be polite
If you don't want to choose for someone else, this is the most polite way to decline.
Watch your tone
Saying it too quickly or with a flat tone can sound like you don't care at all.
Signification
A choice made by oneself.
Use it to be polite
If you don't want to choose for someone else, this is the most polite way to decline.
Watch your tone
Saying it too quickly or with a flat tone can sound like you don't care at all.
Add 'tamamen'
Add 'tamamen' (completely) before 'kendi kararın' to show you are 100% not involved.
The 'Sen Bilirsin' Trap
Remember that 'Sen bilirsin' is more common but 'Kendi kararın' is clearer for learners.
Teste-toi
Fill in the blank with the correct form of 'kendi kararın'.
Hangi okula gideceğin senin ______.
The sentence needs the 2nd person possessive form to match 'senin'.
Which sentence means 'It was my own decision'?
Select the correct Turkish translation:
The suffix '-ım' indicates the first person singular (my).
Complete the dialogue.
Ayşe: 'Sence bu işi kabul etmeli miyim?' Mehmet: 'Bilmiyorum Ayşe, bu senin ______.'
Mehmet is telling Ayşe that it is her choice.
Match the phrase to the situation.
When would you say 'Kendi kararın'?
It is used to emphasize personal autonomy.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Formal vs Informal
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesHangi okula gideceğin senin ______.
The sentence needs the 2nd person possessive form to match 'senin'.
Select the correct Turkish translation:
The suffix '-ım' indicates the first person singular (my).
Ayşe: 'Sence bu işi kabul etmeli miyim?' Mehmet: 'Bilmiyorum Ayşe, bu senin ______.'
Mehmet is telling Ayşe that it is her choice.
When would you say 'Kendi kararın'?
It is used to emphasize personal autonomy.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsIt is neutral. You can use it with friends, family, or colleagues.
'Kendi kararın' is more emphatic, like saying 'your OWN decision' instead of just 'your decision'.
Yes, just change the ending: 'kendi kararım'.
You say 'Benim kararım değil'.
It is originally Arabic but has been used in Turkish for centuries.
Yes, it is appropriate for acknowledging a client's or partner's choice.
It means 'self' or 'own'.
Yes, it becomes 'kendi kararı'.
It can be, depending on the context. It's better to use more respectful language if you want to avoid conflict.
It's a neutral sound, like the 'u' in 'butter' but further back in the throat.
Expressions liées
sen bilirsin
similarYou know best / It's up to you.
keyfin bilir
similarAs you please.
takdir senin
formalThe discretion is yours.
karar vermek
builds onTo decide.
kendi başına
similarOn one's own.
özgür irade
specialized formFree will.
