Meaning
Assuring someone of your reliability.
Cultural Background
Trust is often sealed with a 'söz' (word). Breaking this word can lead to a loss of 'itibar' (reputation) in the community. In Turkish business culture, personal relationships and trust often precede formal contracts. 'Bana güvenebilirsin' is the start of a partnership. Elders often use this phrase to reassure younger members, emphasizing their role as a protector. Hosts use it to make guests feel at home and safe in an unfamiliar environment.
The Dative Rule
Always associate 'güvenmek' with the dative case. Write 'Bana + Güven' on a sticky note!
Eye Contact
When saying this in Turkey, maintain steady eye contact. It shows sincerity and strength of character.
Meaning
Assuring someone of your reliability.
The Dative Rule
Always associate 'güvenmek' with the dative case. Write 'Bana + Güven' on a sticky note!
Eye Contact
When saying this in Turkey, maintain steady eye contact. It shows sincerity and strength of character.
Don't Overuse
If you say it too often without follow-through, it loses its power and you may be seen as 'boş konuşan' (someone who talks empty).
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct form of the pronoun 'Ben'.
_____ güvenebilirsin, ben yalan söylemem.
The verb 'güvenmek' always takes the dative case (-e/-a).
Which sentence is the most formal way to say 'You can trust me'?
Select the formal version:
The suffix '-siniz' is the formal/plural 2nd person ending.
Complete the dialogue.
Ayşe: 'Bu sırrı kimseye söyleme.' Mehmet: 'Tamam, ________.'
In the context of keeping a secret, 'trust me' is the logical response.
Match the phrase to the situation.
Situation: You are promising to finish a report on time.
The other options are for eating, illness, and thanking a cook.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercises_____ güvenebilirsin, ben yalan söylemem.
The verb 'güvenmek' always takes the dative case (-e/-a).
Select the formal version:
The suffix '-siniz' is the formal/plural 2nd person ending.
Ayşe: 'Bu sırrı kimseye söyleme.' Mehmet: 'Tamam, ________.'
In the context of keeping a secret, 'trust me' is the logical response.
Situation: You are promising to finish a report on time.
The other options are for eating, illness, and thanking a cook.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
5 questionsYes, but use the formal 'Bana güvenebilirsiniz' or 'Bize güvenebilirsiniz'.
'Bana güven' is a direct command (Trust me!), while 'Bana güvenebilirsin' is more like an assurance of your ability to be trusted (You can trust me).
It can be seen as a bit skeptical, but in business or serious matters, it is a fair question.
You say 'Sana güvenmiyorum.'
Yes, 'kendine güven' means self-confidence.
Related Phrases
Söz vermek
builds onTo give one's word
İnanmak
similarTo believe
Dayanmak
similarTo lean on / rely on
Kuşku duymak
contrastTo doubt
Emin olmak
builds onTo be sure
