Signification
Asking for clarification of a statement.
Contexte culturel
Turkish people often feel uncomfortable being thanked excessively. 'Ne demek' is a way to equalize the relationship and show that the favor was a pleasure, not a burden. In Turkish business, 'ne demek' is used to show eagerness to serve. A junior employee might say it to a boss to show they are happy to help. Younger Turks use 'ne demek' ironically or with emojis to show they are 'cool' and not taking things too seriously. In some parts of Anatolia, you might hear 'Ne diyosun?' (What are you saying?) used similarly to 'Ne demek?' in moments of shock.
The 'Efendim' Boost
If you want to impress a Turkish person with your politeness, always say 'Ne demek efendim' when they thank you.
Watch the Tone
A flat tone is for definitions. A rising tone is for 'You're welcome'. A sharp, high tone is for 'What do you mean?!'.
Signification
Asking for clarification of a statement.
The 'Efendim' Boost
If you want to impress a Turkish person with your politeness, always say 'Ne demek efendim' when they thank you.
Watch the Tone
A flat tone is for definitions. A rising tone is for 'You're welcome'. A sharp, high tone is for 'What do you mean?!'.
Teste-toi
Complete the dialogue with the correct phrase.
Ayşe: Kitabın için çok teşekkür ederim! Mehmet: __________, her zaman alabilirsin.
Mehmet is responding to a 'thank you', so 'Ne demek' (You're welcome) is the correct choice.
Which sentence is used to ask for a definition?
Choose the correct option:
'Bu ne demek?' literally translates to 'What does this mean?'.
Match the tone of 'Ne demek!' to the situation.
Situation: Someone says 'I'm breaking up with you.' You respond: 'Ne demek?!'
In this context, the phrase expresses shock or disbelief.
🎉 Score : /3
Aides visuelles
The Three Faces of 'Ne Demek'
The Question
- • Asking for definitions
- • Clarifying words
- • Learning Turkish
The Politeness
- • Responding to thanks
- • Being a good host
- • Humble favors
The Shock
- • Expressing disbelief
- • Questioning intent
- • Informal arguments
Banque d exercices
3 exercicesAyşe: Kitabın için çok teşekkür ederim! Mehmet: __________, her zaman alabilirsin.
Mehmet is responding to a 'thank you', so 'Ne demek' (You're welcome) is the correct choice.
Choose the correct option:
'Bu ne demek?' literally translates to 'What does this mean?'.
Situation: Someone says 'I'm breaking up with you.' You respond: 'Ne demek?!'
In this context, the phrase expresses shock or disbelief.
🎉 Score : /3
Questions fréquentes
3 questionsYes, if you ask 'O ne demek?', you are asking 'What does he/she mean?' or 'What is his/her deal?'.
No, it's very polite, especially if you add 'efendim'.
'Ne demek' is a question or a response to thanks. 'Yani' is a filler word used while you are explaining something.
Expressions liées
Rica ederim
synonymYou're welcome
Bir şey değil
synonymIt's nothing
Yani
similarI mean / That is to say
Anlamı ne?
similarWhat is the meaning?
