Meaning
Feeling sad or worried about something.
Cultural Background
The concept of 'dert' is central to Turkish music (Arabesque) and poetry. It is not just a negative thing; it is seen as a sign of depth. Similar to Turkish, there is a high value placed on 'sharing' the burden of dert with others. Emotional expression is encouraged and seen as healthy, unlike some Northern European cultures. The influence of Turkish culture has left similar idioms in languages like Bosnian and Serbian.
Use with 'çok'
You can say 'Çok içime dert oldu' to emphasize the depth of the feeling.
Empathy marker
Using this phrase makes you sound like a very empathetic person in Turkish culture.
Meaning
Feeling sad or worried about something.
Use with 'çok'
You can say 'Çok içime dert oldu' to emphasize the depth of the feeling.
Empathy marker
Using this phrase makes you sound like a very empathetic person in Turkish culture.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct form.
Onun bu hali _________ dert oldu.
The dative case 'içime' is required.
Which sentence is correct?
Choose the most natural sentence.
Only 'olmak' is the correct verb for this idiom.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Arkadaşım işten ayrıldı. B: _________
This is the appropriate empathetic response.
Match the situation to the feeling.
You feel guilty about a lie you told. What do you say?
Guilt is a classic 'dert'.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesOnun bu hali _________ dert oldu.
The dative case 'içime' is required.
Choose the most natural sentence.
Only 'olmak' is the correct verb for this idiom.
A: Arkadaşım işten ayrıldı. B: _________
This is the appropriate empathetic response.
You feel guilty about a lie you told. What do you say?
Guilt is a classic 'dert'.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
3 questionsNo, it is strictly for negative, sad, or worrying situations.
It is neutral. You can use it with friends or colleagues you are close to.
'Dert' is a deeper, more persistent trouble; 'üzüntü' is general sadness.
Related Phrases
Dertleşmek
similarTo share troubles
İçine oturmak
similarTo feel a heavy burden
Dert etmek
similarTo worry about something
İçini dökmek
builds onTo pour out one's heart
