Meaning
Introducing the real facts of a situation.
Cultural Background
Turkish culture values 'samimiyet' (sincerity). Using 'işin doğrusu' is a way to show you trust the other person enough to drop the social mask. In Turkish business, meetings often start with long periods of small talk. 'İşin doğrusu' is the signal that the small talk is over and the real negotiation is beginning. Children often use this phrase when they are about to confess something to their elders, as it sounds more mature and respectful than just blurting out the truth. Turkish news headlines often use 'İşin doğrusu ne?' (What is the truth of the matter?) to attract readers to investigative pieces.
The Comma is Key
When writing, always put a comma after 'İşin doğrusu' to separate it from the main clause.
Don't Overuse
If you say it too much, people might think you are usually dishonest!
Meaning
Introducing the real facts of a situation.
The Comma is Key
When writing, always put a comma after 'İşin doğrusu' to separate it from the main clause.
Don't Overuse
If you say it too much, people might think you are usually dishonest!
Softening Blows
Use this phrase before giving a negative review or feedback to make it sound more objective.
Eye Contact
In Turkey, when you say 'işin doğrusu,' making direct eye contact emphasizes your sincerity.
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing part of the phrase.
____ doğrusu, bu akşam çok yorgunum, dışarı çıkamam.
The phrase is a definite noun compound, so 'iş' must take the genitive suffix '-in'.
Which sentence uses the phrase correctly to admit a mistake?
Hangi cümle bir hatayı itiraf etmek için doğru kullanılmıştır?
Option A uses the phrase to pivot to a sincere admission of a mistake.
Complete the dialogue with the most natural response.
Ayşe: 'Yeni işini sevdin mi?' Mehmet: '________________, maaşı iyi ama ortam çok stresli.'
Mehmet is giving a nuanced, honest opinion, which is the perfect place for 'İşin doğrusu.'
Match the phrase with the correct situation.
Hangi durumda 'İşin doğrusu' kullanılır?
The phrase is used to introduce the real facts or 'the truth of the matter.'
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
İşin Doğrusu vs. Aslında
Practice Bank
4 exercises____ doğrusu, bu akşam çok yorgunum, dışarı çıkamam.
The phrase is a definite noun compound, so 'iş' must take the genitive suffix '-in'.
Hangi cümle bir hatayı itiraf etmek için doğru kullanılmıştır?
Option A uses the phrase to pivot to a sincere admission of a mistake.
Ayşe: 'Yeni işini sevdin mi?' Mehmet: '________________, maaşı iyi ama ortam çok stresli.'
Mehmet is giving a nuanced, honest opinion, which is the perfect place for 'İşin doğrusu.'
Hangi durumda 'İşin doğrusu' kullanılır?
The phrase is used to introduce the real facts or 'the truth of the matter.'
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
12 questionsIt is neutral. You can use it with your friends, your boss, or in a newspaper article.
No, that is not a common idiom. To say 'the wrong part of the matter,' you would use different phrasing.
Yes, but it's more like 'To be honest' or 'The truth is.' 'Aslında' is a closer match for 'actually.'
No, it almost always comes at the beginning of the sentence or the beginning of a new clause.
Not at all. In fact, it often makes you sound more sincere and trustworthy.
'Açıkçası' means 'frankly' and is a bit more direct. 'İşin doğrusu' feels a bit more like a shared realization.
Yes, but 'esas itibarıyla' or 'hakikat şudur ki' might sound more academic.
In 'doğrusu,' the 'ğ' is not pronounced as a consonant; it just makes the 'o' sound longer.
No, it is always singular.
In Turkish, 'iş' is a very broad word that can mean 'matter,' 'thing,' 'situation,' or 'business.'
Yes, it can be used to start a firm, honest statement during an argument.
Yes, many Turkish pop and rock songs use it to introduce a confession of love or regret.
Related Phrases
aslına bakarsan
synonymif you look at the origin of it
açıkçası
similarfrankly / clearly
doğrusunu söylemek gerekirse
builds onif it is necessary to tell the truth
lafın kısası
similarto cut a long story short
hakikat şu ki
specialized formthe truth is that...
