Signification
To say exactly what one thinks, even if harsh.
Contexte culturel
The concept of 'Dobra' (straight-talker) is highly respected in Turkey. It is often associated with the 'Kabadayı' or 'Delikanlı' archetypes—people who are rough around the edges but fundamentally honest and brave. In Turkish corporate settings, hierarchy is important. However, 'lafını esirgememek' is increasingly seen as a sign of 'leadership potential' in modern tech startups, whereas in traditional companies it might still be seen as risky. On Turkish Twitter (X), users often use this phrase to praise whistleblowers or celebrities who speak out on social issues. It’s a badge of 'authenticity'. Grandmothers (Babaanne/Anneanne) are often the ones 'lafını esirgemeyen' in the family. They have reached an age where social filters are no longer required.
The 'I' vs 'You' rule
Remember to change the suffix! 'Lafımı' (mine), 'Lafını' (yours/his/hers).
Don't be too 'Dobra'
In Turkish culture, being too blunt with elders is 'saygısızlık' (disrespect). Use this phrase carefully with people older than you.
Signification
To say exactly what one thinks, even if harsh.
The 'I' vs 'You' rule
Remember to change the suffix! 'Lafımı' (mine), 'Lafını' (yours/his/hers).
Don't be too 'Dobra'
In Turkish culture, being too blunt with elders is 'saygısızlık' (disrespect). Use this phrase carefully with people older than you.
Use with 'Valla'
Starting with 'Valla lafımı esirgemeyeceğim...' adds a layer of 'sincere honesty' that sounds very native.
The 'Mert' connection
If you call someone 'Lafını esirgemeyen, mert biri,' it is a very high compliment.
Teste-toi
Fill in the blank with the correct form of 'lafını esirgememek' based on the subject.
Ben çok dürüst biriyim, arkadaşlarıma karşı hiç ______.
The subject is 'Ben' (I), so the possessive must be 'laf-ım-ı' (my word).
Which situation best fits the idiom 'lafını esirgememek'?
Hangi durumda bu deyimi kullanmak en uygundur?
The idiom is about being direct and outspoken, especially in difficult situations.
Match the Turkish phrases with their English equivalents.
Eşleştirme yapın:
These are the closest idiomatic matches.
Complete the dialogue.
Ali: 'Yeni müdür hakkında ne düşünüyorsun?' Veli: 'Valla Ali, ______, bence bu işi beceremeyecek.'
Veli is expressing his own opinion, so he uses 'lafımı' (my word).
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Honesty vs. Tact
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesBen çok dürüst biriyim, arkadaşlarıma karşı hiç ______.
The subject is 'Ben' (I), so the possessive must be 'laf-ım-ı' (my word).
Hangi durumda bu deyimi kullanmak en uygundur?
The idiom is about being direct and outspoken, especially in difficult situations.
Associez chaque element a gauche avec son pair a droite :
These are the closest idiomatic matches.
Ali: 'Yeni müdür hakkında ne düşünüyorsun?' Veli: 'Valla Ali, ______, bence bu işi beceremeyecek.'
Veli is expressing his own opinion, so he uses 'lafımı' (my word).
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsNot always. While it praises honesty, it can also imply that someone is tactless or 'patavatsız' (speaking without thinking). Context is key.
Yes, 'sözünü esirgememek' is perfectly correct and slightly more formal/poetic.
The closest opposite is 'lafı ağzında gevelemek' (to mumble/hesitate) or 'politik davranmak' (to act diplomatically).
Yes, if you want to signal that you are about to give very honest, perhaps difficult, feedback. It shows you value the project's success over politeness.
No. You can be a liar and still not 'spare your words' when you are being mean. However, it usually implies telling a harsh truth.
It becomes 'lafımızı esirgemeyiz' (we don't spare our words).
No, it's a standard idiom used in newspapers, books, and daily speech.
Because 'esirgemek' implies you are 'saving' or 'protecting' the words. Not sparing them means you are giving them freely.
Yes, it's often used to describe authors who write about controversial topics.
'Dobra' is a loanword (likely Slavic) that means 'good/honest' and is the personification of this idiom.
Expressions liées
sözünü sakınmamak
synonymTo not avoid saying something.
ağzına geleni söylemek
similarTo say whatever comes to mind.
lafı ağzında gevelemek
contrastTo mumble or hesitate to speak.
dobra dobra konuşmak
synonymTo speak very plainly and directly.
açık sözlü olmak
similarTo be open-spoken.
