Meaning
Complimenting an object or situation.
Cultural Background
Complimenting the host's home or food with 'Bu çok güzel' is considered essential etiquette. It shows you are a 'good guest' (iyi bir misafir). When complimenting something very beautiful, Turks often follow it with 'Maşallah' to protect it from the 'evil eye'. In shopping, saying 'Bu çok güzel' might signal to the seller that you are very interested, which could affect bargaining. Use it wisely! Even a simple glass of tea is often complimented. It's a way of acknowledging the effort of the person who brewed it.
The 'O' Factor
If you are looking at a photo on someone's phone, use 'Bu'. If you are looking at a monument across the street, use 'O'.
Don't Point at People
Pointing and saying 'Bu' is rude. Just say 'Çok güzel' or 'Çok yakışıklı' without the 'Bu'.
Meaning
Complimenting an object or situation.
The 'O' Factor
If you are looking at a photo on someone's phone, use 'Bu'. If you are looking at a monument across the street, use 'O'.
Don't Point at People
Pointing and saying 'Bu' is rude. Just say 'Çok güzel' or 'Çok yakışıklı' without the 'Bu'.
Add 'Valla'
To sound more Turkish and sincere, say 'Valla bu çok güzel!' (By God, this is very beautiful!).
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank to say 'This tea is very beautiful'.
Bu çay ___ güzel.
'Çok' is the standard intensifier for 'very'.
Which sentence is the most natural way to compliment a meal?
A meal is served. What do you say?
'Bu çok güzel' is the most natural, neutral compliment.
Match the Turkish phrase with its English meaning.
Match the following:
Direct translations of common compliments.
Complete the dialogue.
Ayşe: Yeni elbisem nasıl? Sen: ________
The context asks for an opinion on a dress.
Match the phrase to the situation.
You see a beautiful sunset in Izmir.
Used for expressing admiration for a view.
🎉 Score: /5
Visual Learning Aids
What can be 'Çok Güzel'?
Objects
- • Araba
- • Elbise
- • Çanta
Nature
- • Manzara
- • Deniz
- • Çiçek
Food
- • Kebap
- • Baklava
- • Çay
Abstract
- • Fikir
- • Haber
- • Plan
Practice Bank
5 exercisesBu çay ___ güzel.
'Çok' is the standard intensifier for 'very'.
A meal is served. What do you say?
'Bu çok güzel' is the most natural, neutral compliment.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
Direct translations of common compliments.
Ayşe: Yeni elbisem nasıl? Sen: ________
The context asks for an opinion on a dress.
You see a beautiful sunset in Izmir.
Used for expressing admiration for a view.
🎉 Score: /5
Frequently Asked Questions
12 questionsIt's better to use 'yakışıklı' (handsome) for men. 'Güzel' for men can sound feminine or poetic.
Yes! Dropping the 'Bu' is very common and sounds very natural.
Yes, in many contexts like 'güzel bir iş' (a good job) or 'güzel bir cevap' (a good answer).
Say 'Bunlar çok güzel' (These are very beautiful).
Absolutely. It is the most common way to say food is delicious.
The opposite is 'Bu hiç güzel değil' (This is not beautiful at all) or 'Bu çirkin' (This is ugly).
No, you can just say 'Bu güzel'. 'Çok' just adds emphasis.
Turkish is a null-copula language for the 3rd person singular in the present tense.
Yes, it is neutral and polite.
Yes, to describe a good report, a good idea, or a good result.
Use 'fazla güzel' or 'aşırı güzel'.
No, it is standard Turkish.
Related Phrases
Çok iyi
similarVery good
Harika
builds onWonderful
Eline sağlık
specialized formHealth to your hands
Hoş
similarPleasant
Çirkin
contrastUgly
