Meaning
Expressing fear.
Cultural Background
The word 'Korkma' (Don't fear) is the very first word of the Turkish National Anthem. It was written during the War of Independence to inspire courage. Turks often use the phrase 'Nazar değmesinden korkuyorum' (I'm afraid of the evil eye) when they share good news, to ward off bad luck. In traditional parenting, children might be told 'Allah'tan kork' (Fear God) to encourage moral behavior, though modern parenting is moving away from this. If someone is very scared (korkmuş), a 'Korku duası' (prayer of fear) might be read or lead might be poured to 'take away the fear'.
The -DAN Rule
Always pair 'Korkuyorum' with the -dan/-den suffix. If you forget it, the sentence feels incomplete to a native speaker.
Don't over-use 'Korkarım'
English speakers use 'I'm afraid' for everything. In Turkish, 'Korkuyorum' is for real fear. Use 'Maalesef' for 'I'm afraid I can't'.
Meaning
Expressing fear.
The -DAN Rule
Always pair 'Korkuyorum' with the -dan/-den suffix. If you forget it, the sentence feels incomplete to a native speaker.
Don't over-use 'Korkarım'
English speakers use 'I'm afraid' for everything. In Turkish, 'Korkuyorum' is for real fear. Use 'Maalesef' for 'I'm afraid I can't'.
Vulnerability is OK
In Turkish culture, admitting you are 'korkuyorum' in a stressful situation is often met with 'Korkma, yanındayım' (Don't fear, I'm with you).
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct form of 'Korkuyorum' and the necessary suffix.
Ben karanlık____ ___________.
The word 'karanlık' ends in a hard consonant 'k', so the ablative suffix becomes '-tan'.
Which sentence is grammatically correct?
Select the correct way to say 'I am afraid of dogs'.
The verb 'korkmak' always takes the ablative case (-dan/-den/-tan/-ten).
Complete the dialogue.
Ahmet: Neden gelmiyorsun? Can: Çünkü yüzmekten ___________.
Can is speaking about himself, so the first-person singular '-um' is required.
🎉 Score: /3
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
3 exercisesBen karanlık____ ___________.
The word 'karanlık' ends in a hard consonant 'k', so the ablative suffix becomes '-tan'.
Select the correct way to say 'I am afraid of dogs'.
The verb 'korkmak' always takes the ablative case (-dan/-den/-tan/-ten).
Ahmet: Neden gelmiyorsun? Can: Çünkü yüzmekten ___________.
Can is speaking about himself, so the first-person singular '-um' is required.
🎉 Score: /3
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsYes, it is a neutral, standard expression. It is neither rude nor overly formal.
No. For 'I'm afraid so', use 'Korkarım ki öyle'.
'Korkuyorum' is 'I am (currently) afraid'. 'Korktum' is 'I got scared' (past event).
Because of consonant assimilation. Since 'köpek' ends in 'k' (a hard consonant), the 'd' in '-dan' changes to 't'.
Related Phrases
Ödüm koptu
idiomI was scared to death (literally: my gallbladder burst).
Tırsıyorum
synonymI'm freaked out / I'm chicken.
Çekiniyorum
similarI am hesitant / I am wary.
Endişeleniyorum
similarI am worrying.
