Meaning
Refers to the past.
Cultural Background
The phrase 'Eskiden buralar hep tarlaydı' (In the old days, these places were all fields) is a running joke in Turkey. It refers to the rapid urbanization of cities like Istanbul and Ankara. During religious holidays (Bayram), elders often use 'Eski günler' to lament that modern celebrations are not as communal or traditional as they used to be. Many Turkish songs use 'Eski günler' or 'Mazi' to evoke a sense of lost love or a golden age of youth. The 'old days' are often synonymous with the 'mahalle' culture, where everyone knew their neighbors and children played safely in the streets.
Always Pluralize
If you want to sound like a native, almost always use the plural form 'eski günler' when talking about the past.
Eski vs Yaşlı
Never call your grandmother 'eski'. She is 'yaşlı'. If you call her 'eski', you're saying she's an old object!
Meaning
Refers to the past.
Always Pluralize
If you want to sound like a native, almost always use the plural form 'eski günler' when talking about the past.
Eski vs Yaşlı
Never call your grandmother 'eski'. She is 'yaşlı'. If you call her 'eski', you're saying she's an old object!
The 'Nerede' Trick
Start a sentence with 'Nerede o eski...' to immediately sound like a wise, nostalgic Turkish elder.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct form of 'Eski gün'.
Ben ______ çok özlüyorum.
We use the plural 'günler' and the accusative case '-i' because it is the object of the verb 'özlemek' (to miss).
Which sentence is the most natural way to talk about the past?
Choose the best option:
'Eski günlerde' is the standard idiomatic expression for 'In the old days'.
Complete the dialogue.
Ayşe: Bu fotoğraf ne zaman çekildi? Mehmet: ________________.
This means 'This is a memory from the old days,' which perfectly answers the question about the photo.
Match the Turkish phrase with its English equivalent.
Match the following:
These are the most common patterns for the phrase.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Eski vs Yaşlı
Practice Bank
4 exercisesBen ______ çok özlüyorum.
We use the plural 'günler' and the accusative case '-i' because it is the object of the verb 'özlemek' (to miss).
Choose the best option:
'Eski günlerde' is the standard idiomatic expression for 'In the old days'.
Ayşe: Bu fotoğraf ne zaman çekildi? Mehmet: ________________.
This means 'This is a memory from the old days,' which perfectly answers the question about the photo.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
These are the most common patterns for the phrase.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, but it's less common. Usually, 'eski günler' implies a positive nostalgia. For a bad past, people often just say 'Geçmiş' or 'O kötü günler'.
Both are correct, but 'günler' is more personal and common in daily speech. 'Zamanlar' sounds a bit more distant or historical.
It is neutral. You can use it with your boss or your best friend. It's safe everywhere.
The most common way is 'Eski günlerde'.
Technically yes, but it sounds like you are talking about one specific day that was old, which is weird. Stick to 'Eski günlerim' (plural).
'Eski' is just old. 'Antika' is old and valuable/collectible.
Not exactly a slang word, but the phrase 'Eskiden buralar hep tarlaydı' is a very common slangy/meme-like way to talk about the past.
No, for that you say 'Eski erkek arkadaşım'. You don't use 'gün' for people.
90% of the time, yes. It carries a 'good old days' vibe.
Shape your lips like you're going to say 'oo' but try to say 'ee'.
Related Phrases
Geçmiş zaman
similarPast tense / Past time
Mazi
synonymThe past
Eskiden
builds onIn the past / Formerly
Gelecek günler
contrastFuture days
