Meaning
Never having enough.
Cultural Background
The concept of 'Gözü Tok' (Full Eye) is the ultimate compliment for a person's character, implying they are generous and content. Sufi teachings often warn against the 'hungry eye' as a distraction from spiritual growth and a sign of being enslaved by the 'nefs' (ego). There is a belief that the only thing that can fill a greedy person's eye is the 'soil of the grave' (Gözünü toprak doyursun), which is also a common curse. In the context of rapid urbanization and inflation, this idiom is frequently used to criticize landlords or shopkeepers who raise prices excessively.
Use with 'Hâlâ'
Adding 'hâlâ' (still) before the idiom emphasizes the frustration: 'Hâlâ gözü doymadı!'
Avoid Direct Accusation
Saying 'Senin gözün doymuyor' to a Turkish person is a very strong insult. Use it to describe third parties instead.
Meaning
Never having enough.
Use with 'Hâlâ'
Adding 'hâlâ' (still) before the idiom emphasizes the frustration: 'Hâlâ gözü doymadı!'
Avoid Direct Accusation
Saying 'Senin gözün doymuyor' to a Turkish person is a very strong insult. Use it to describe third parties instead.
The Buffet Rule
In Turkey, leaving food on your plate at a home visit is okay, but taking too much at a buffet is seen as a sign that your 'eye isn't full'.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct form of the idiom.
Milyarder iş adamı daha fazla şirket almak istiyor, gerçekten ______ doymuyor.
The idiom for greed is 'gözü doymamak'.
Which sentence uses the idiom correctly to describe greed?
Aşağıdakilerden hangisi doğrudur?
This correctly describes someone who is rich but still wants more.
Complete the dialogue.
Ali: 'Ayşe her gün yeni bir çanta alıyor.' Veli: 'Evet, maalesef onun ______.'
Veli is agreeing that Ayşe is never satisfied with what she has.
Match the situation to the idiom.
Bir kişi açık büfede yiyemeyeceği kadar çok yemek alıyor.
Taking more food than one can eat is a classic 'gözü doymamak' situation.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Gözü Doymamak vs. Gözü Tok
Practice Bank
4 exercisesMilyarder iş adamı daha fazla şirket almak istiyor, gerçekten ______ doymuyor.
The idiom for greed is 'gözü doymamak'.
Aşağıdakilerden hangisi doğrudur?
This correctly describes someone who is rich but still wants more.
Ali: 'Ayşe her gün yeni bir çanta alıyor.' Veli: 'Evet, maalesef onun ______.'
Veli is agreeing that Ayşe is never satisfied with what she has.
Bir kişi açık büfede yiyemeyeceği kadar çok yemek alıyor.
Taking more food than one can eat is a classic 'gözü doymamak' situation.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsIt's risky. In Turkish, 'gözü doymamak' has a negative connotation of greed. For positive ambition, use 'başarıya aç' (hungry for success).
Mostly, but it can also be used for power, attention, or even collecting items like shoes or books.
Just say 'Doydum'. Do not say 'Gözüm doydu' unless you are being sarcastic about your own greed.
'Açgözlü' is an adjective (greedy person), while 'gözü doymamak' is the action/state of being greedy.
No, it's too informal. Use 'maddi beklentiler' or 'kariyer hedefleri' instead.
Yes, it's very common for parents to say this about children who want every toy in the store.
Yes: 'Gözleri doymuyor' (Their eyes are not full).
Yes, 'Doyumsuz' is a more modern, slightly slangy way to say the same thing.
It's a common exclamation meaning 'I hope you're finally satisfied!' usually said in frustration.
Yes, similar versions exist in Azeri and Uzbek, as the 'eye' metaphor is central to Turkic culture.
Related Phrases
açgözlü
synonymGreedy
gözü tok
contrastContent/Satisfied
doymak bilmemek
similarTo not know how to be full
gözü kalmak
relatedTo long for something someone else has
gözü aç
synonymGreedy (literally: eye hungry)
