Meaning
Reassuring someone.
Cultural Background
Turkish hosts will often use 'Dert etme' to ensure their guests never feel guilty for small accidents. It's part of making a guest feel 'at home'. In local neighborhoods, if you don't have enough money, the shopkeeper will say 'Dert etme' to show trust and community bond. Sometimes people say 'Dert etme' because they believe focusing too much on a small problem might attract more bad luck or 'nazar'. The phrase aligns with the Turkish view that if something happened, it was meant to be, so there is no use in worrying.
The 'Canın Sağ Olsun' Combo
Pair 'Dert etme' with 'Canın sağ olsun' to sound incredibly native and warm.
Watch the Hierarchy
Never say 'Dert etme' to your grandmother or boss; use 'Dert etmeyin'.
Meaning
Reassuring someone.
The 'Canın Sağ Olsun' Combo
Pair 'Dert etme' with 'Canın sağ olsun' to sound incredibly native and warm.
Watch the Hierarchy
Never say 'Dert etme' to your grandmother or boss; use 'Dert etmeyin'.
Body Language
A slight tilt of the head and a smile makes 'Dert etme' much more effective.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank to reassure your friend who is late.
Arkadaşın: 'Çok geç kaldım, özür dilerim!' Sen: '__________, sorun değil.'
Since it's a friend (arkadaş), we use the informal 'Dert etme'.
Which response is most appropriate when someone spills water on your table?
A: 'Eyvah, su döküldü!' B: ?
'Dert etme' is the perfect way to minimize a small accident.
Match the phrase to the situation.
Situation: You are talking to your boss who is worried about a meeting.
With a boss, you must use the formal 'siz' form: 'Dert etmeyin'.
Complete the dialogue with the most natural phrase.
A: 'Cüzdanımı evde unutmuşum.' B: '__________, bende para var.'
'Dert etme' is used for practical problems like forgetting a wallet.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesArkadaşın: 'Çok geç kaldım, özür dilerim!' Sen: '__________, sorun değil.'
Since it's a friend (arkadaş), we use the informal 'Dert etme'.
A: 'Eyvah, su döküldü!' B: ?
'Dert etme' is the perfect way to minimize a small accident.
Situation: You are talking to your boss who is worried about a meeting.
With a boss, you must use the formal 'siz' form: 'Dert etmeyin'.
A: 'Cüzdanımı evde unutmuşum.' B: '__________, bende para var.'
'Dert etme' is used for practical problems like forgetting a wallet.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
5 questionsYes, if the waiter makes a small mistake, 'Dert etme' or 'Sorun değil' is very kind.
Yes, you can say 'Dert etmiyorum' (I'm not worrying about it).
'Dert etme' is a command/advice to someone else. 'Sıkıntı yok' is a statement that there is no problem.
Only in casual business settings or between close colleagues. Use 'Sorun etmeyin' for clients.
No, it means 'I care about you, so I don't want you to worry'.
Related Phrases
Sıkıntı yok
synonymNo problem / No stress
Kafana takma
similarDon't get hung up on it
Boşver
similarNever mind / Let it go
Sorun değil
synonymIt's not a problem
Canın sağ olsun
builds onAs long as you are healthy/fine
