Meaning
Suggesting what someone should do.
Cultural Background
In Turkish families, elders often feel it is their right and duty to 'akıl vermek' to younger members on everything from marriage to cooking. Turkish 'Kıraathane' (coffee houses) are hubs where men 'give mind' to each other about politics and football for hours. On Turkish Twitter (X), 'akıl vermek' is often used to criticize 'know-it-alls' who comment on every trending topic. While hierarchy is important, a junior giving 'akıl' to a senior must use very indirect language to avoid being seen as 'hadsiz' (disrespectful).
The 'Softener'
If you want to give advice without sounding arrogant, start with: 'Haddim olmayarak...' (Not being my place...)
Watch the Tone
Saying 'Bana akıl verme' with a smile is a joke; saying it with a flat face is a fight.
Meaning
Suggesting what someone should do.
The 'Softener'
If you want to give advice without sounding arrogant, start with: 'Haddim olmayarak...' (Not being my place...)
Watch the Tone
Saying 'Bana akıl verme' with a smile is a joke; saying it with a flat face is a fight.
The Elder Rule
In Turkey, even if an elder's 'akıl' is bad, you usually listen politely and then do what you want anyway.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct form of 'akıl vermek'.
Annem her zaman bana çok iyi ______.
The standard collocation is 'akıl vermek'.
Which sentence is used when you are ANNOYED?
A) Bana akıl verdiğiniz için teşekkürler. B) Yeter artık, bana akıl verme!
The imperative 'akıl verme' with 'yeter' (enough) expresses frustration.
Match the person with the most likely context for 'akıl vermek'.
1. Tecrübeli bir usta, 2. Kızgın bir kardeş, 3. Bir yabancı
Masters teach, siblings argue, and strangers guide.
Complete the dialogue.
Ayşe: Sınavı kazanamadım, ne yapmalıyım? Mehmet: Üzülme, gel sana biraz ______.
Mehmet is offering advice to help Ayşe.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesAnnem her zaman bana çok iyi ______.
The standard collocation is 'akıl vermek'.
A) Bana akıl verdiğiniz için teşekkürler. B) Yeter artık, bana akıl verme!
The imperative 'akıl verme' with 'yeter' (enough) expresses frustration.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
Masters teach, siblings argue, and strangers guide.
Ayşe: Sınavı kazanamadım, ne yapmalıyım? Mehmet: Üzülme, gel sana biraz ______.
Mehmet is offering advice to help Ayşe.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNot inherently, but it can be. It depends on whether the advice was asked for and the relationship between the people.
No, use 'öğretmek' for teaching skills. 'Akıl vermek' is specifically for advice or strategy.
'Tavsiye' is more formal and neutral. 'Akıl' is more personal and can be more patronizing.
You can say 'Bana akıl vermeyi bırak' or more sharply 'Bana akıl verme!'
Yes, but usually from a senior to a junior. Juniors should avoid 'giving mind' to seniors.
It takes the Dative case (-a/-e) for the person receiving the advice.
Yes, 'fikir vermek' means 'to give an idea' and is safer if you want to avoid sounding preachy.
Yes, 'akıl satmak' (to sell mind) is a slang way to say someone is showing off their knowledge.
Yes, parents constantly 'akıl verir' to their children.
You can say 'akıllar vermek' but it is very rare. Usually, 'akıl' stays singular.
Related Phrases
akıl danışmak
contrastTo ask for advice
akıl hocalığı yapmak
specialized formTo mentor someone
akıl kârı
similarA wise/logical thing to do
aklına yatmak
builds onTo be convinced by an idea
akıl öğretmek
synonymTo teach/give advice
