Meaning
Someone who keeps secrets well.
Cultural Background
In Turkish culture, 'sırdaş' (fellow secret-keeper) is a very high rank of friendship. Being 'ağzı kapalı' is the prerequisite for becoming a 'sırdaş'. Ottoman diplomats were trained to be 'ketum' (discreet). A closed mouth was seen as a shield for the state's interests. In Istanbul's business world, 'ağzı kapalı' is often used in performance reviews to describe someone who handles insider information well. In small villages, gossip can be destructive. An 'ağzı kapalı' person is often the one everyone goes to for advice because they won't spread rumors.
Use it as a compliment
Telling someone 'Ağzı kapalı birisin' is a high compliment in Turkey. It means you respect their character.
Watch the possessives
Always check if you are talking about your mouth (ağzım), their mouth (ağzı), or our mouths (ağzımız).
Meaning
Someone who keeps secrets well.
Use it as a compliment
Telling someone 'Ağzı kapalı birisin' is a high compliment in Turkey. It means you respect their character.
Watch the possessives
Always check if you are talking about your mouth (ağzım), their mouth (ağzı), or our mouths (ağzımız).
Combine with 'Güven'
For maximum impact, use it with 'güven' (trust): 'Ona güvenebilirsin, ağzı kapalıdır.'
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct form of 'ağzı kapalı'.
Benim bu konuda ______ , kimseye söylemem.
Since the subject is 'Ben' (I), the possessive suffix must be '-ım'.
Which sentence describes a person who can keep a secret?
Arkadaşım çok güvenilir biridir...
'Ağzı açık' means surprised, 'Ağzı bozuk' means someone who swears/uses bad language.
Match the phrase to the situation.
Patronun sana gizli bir plan anlattı.
In a professional setting with a secret plan, you must remain discreet.
Complete the dialogue.
Ayşe: 'Sırrımı Mehmet'e söyleyeyim mi?' Fatma: 'Hayır, onun ______ , hemen herkese anlatır.'
The context says he tells everyone, so he is the opposite of 'ağzı kapalı'.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesBenim bu konuda ______ , kimseye söylemem.
Since the subject is 'Ben' (I), the possessive suffix must be '-ım'.
Arkadaşım çok güvenilir biridir...
'Ağzı açık' means surprised, 'Ağzı bozuk' means someone who swears/uses bad language.
Patronun sana gizli bir plan anlattı.
In a professional setting with a secret plan, you must remain discreet.
Ayşe: 'Sırrımı Mehmet'e söyleyeyim mi?' Fatma: 'Hayır, onun ______ , hemen herkese anlatır.'
The context says he tells everyone, so he is the opposite of 'ağzı kapalı'.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
5 questionsNo, it is a neutral or positive description of character. However, telling someone 'Ağzını kapalı tut!' (Keep your mouth shut!) can be rude depending on the tone.
Yes! Literally, it means a bottle or box is closed. 'Şişenin ağzı kapalı' (The bottle's mouth/top is closed).
They are 95% interchangeable. 'Ağzı sıkı' is slightly more common for the personality trait of being a 'secret keeper'.
You say 'Benim ağzım kapalıdır.'
Yes, 'ağzı mühürlü' (mouth sealed) is a more emphatic, slightly slangy way to say the same thing.
Related Phrases
ağzı sıkı
synonymTight-mouthed; very discreet.
sır küpü
similarA jar of secrets.
ağzı gevşek
contrastLoose-mouthed; a gossip.
serüvermez
specialized formOne who doesn't give away their secret even under torture.
