Signification
Any profit made during a short time is good.
Contexte culturel
For an 'esnaf', the first sale of the day is 'siftah'. Any small sale after that, especially on a slow day, is 'kısa günün kârı'. It's part of a verbal ritual of gratitude. In the Ottoman era, markets often closed at sunset. In winter, this meant very few hours of trade, making every single 'akçe' (coin) earned during those short hours vital. Modern Turkish freelancers use this when a small 'gig' or task is completed much faster than expected, allowing them more free time. The concept of 'kanaat' (contentment) is central. It teaches that being happy with a 'short day's profit' leads to a more peaceful life than constantly chasing more.
Use it to be likable
Using this phrase makes you sound humble and appreciative. It's a great social lubricant in Turkey.
The 'â' matters
If you write it as 'karı', it could be mistaken for 'his wife' (karısı) in some contexts, though the grammar is different. Always aim for the long 'a' sound.
Signification
Any profit made during a short time is good.
Use it to be likable
Using this phrase makes you sound humble and appreciative. It's a great social lubricant in Turkey.
The 'â' matters
If you write it as 'karı', it could be mistaken for 'his wife' (karısı) in some contexts, though the grammar is different. Always aim for the long 'a' sound.
The Esnaf Vibe
If you use this with a taxi driver or a shopkeeper, you'll likely get a big smile and better service.
Teste-toi
Fill in the blanks to complete the proverb.
Bugün çok az satış yaptık ama olsun, ______ günün ______.
The correct proverb is 'kısa günün kârı'. Note the circumflex on 'kâr'.
Which situation best fits the phrase 'Kısa günün kârı'?
Situation A: You win the lottery. Situation B: You find 5 TL on the sidewalk. Situation C: You get married. Situation D: You lose your wallet.
The phrase is used for small, unexpected gains, like finding a small amount of money.
Choose the correct pronunciation/spelling for 'profit' in this phrase.
Hangisi doğru?
'Kâr' with a long 'a' means profit. 'Kar' means snow.
Complete the dialogue naturally.
Ahmet: 'Marketten 10 liralık indirim kuponu kazandım.' Ayşe: '__________.'
Winning a small coupon is a perfect 'quick win' scenario.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesBugün çok az satış yaptık ama olsun, ______ günün ______.
The correct proverb is 'kısa günün kârı'. Note the circumflex on 'kâr'.
Situation A: You win the lottery. Situation B: You find 5 TL on the sidewalk. Situation C: You get married. Situation D: You lose your wallet.
The phrase is used for small, unexpected gains, like finding a small amount of money.
Hangisi doğru?
'Kâr' with a long 'a' means profit. 'Kar' means snow.
Ahmet: 'Marketten 10 liralık indirim kuponu kazandım.' Ayşe: '__________.'
Winning a small coupon is a perfect 'quick win' scenario.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
5 questions'Kâr' specifically means profit (revenue minus cost), while 'kazanç' is a broader term for any gain or earnings. In this idiom, only 'kâr' is used.
Yes! A 50% discount is a significant 'quick win' in daily shopping.
Only if the email is to a colleague you are friendly with. In a formal proposal to a new client, it's too casual.
It refers to winter days when working hours were limited by sunlight in the past.
Not really. It's almost always used to find a positive side to a small result.
Expressions liées
damlaya damlaya göl olur
builds onDrop by drop it becomes a lake.
aza kanaat etmeyen çoğu hiç bulamaz
similarHe who is not content with little will not find much.
havadan gelmek
similarTo come from the air (to get something for free/easily).
siftah senden bereket Allah'tan
specialized formThe first sale is from you, the blessing is from God.
