Meaning
Someone who keeps their promises reliably.
Cultural Background
In traditional Turkish markets, a handshake and the phrase 'sözüm söz' often replace legal documents. This is a remnant of the Ahilik system where honor was the currency. In villages, a man's reputation is built over decades. Being called 'sözü söz' is the highest honor an elder can receive, often carrying more weight than wealth. Even in high-tech startups, Turkish business culture relies heavily on 'güven' (trust). Networking events are essentially 'sözü söz' testing grounds. Protagonists in Turkish dramas are often defined by this trait. A hero who breaks his word is no longer a hero in the eyes of the Turkish audience.
Use for emphasis
When you want to end an argument about someone's reliability, just say 'Onun sözü sözdür' and stop talking. It's a conversation ender.
Don't over use
If you say this about everyone, people will stop trusting your judgment. Save it for the truly reliable.
Meaning
Someone who keeps their promises reliably.
Use for emphasis
When you want to end an argument about someone's reliability, just say 'Onun sözü sözdür' and stop talking. It's a conversation ender.
Don't over use
If you say this about everyone, people will stop trusting your judgment. Save it for the truly reliable.
The Handshake
In Turkey, saying 'sözüm söz' while shaking hands is a very strong commitment. Don't do it lightly!
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct form of the phrase.
Onunla iş yapabilirsin, çünkü onun ______ ______.
'Sözü sözdür' is the fixed idiomatic expression for reliability.
Which sentence best describes a person who is 'sözü sözdür'?
Aşağıdakilerden hangisi 'sözü sözdür' olan birini tarif eder?
The phrase specifically refers to keeping promises.
Complete the dialogue naturally.
Ayşe: 'Mehmet parayı yarın getirecek mi?' Fatma: 'Evet, merak etme. Mehmet'in ______.'
Fatma is reassuring Ayşe about Mehmet's reliability.
Match the situation to the most appropriate use of the phrase.
Hangi durumda 'sözü sözdür' denir?
Financial reliability is a core context for this phrase.
Match the Turkish phrase with its English equivalent.
Eşleştirin:
These are the primary related terms.
🎉 Score: /5
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
5 exercisesOnunla iş yapabilirsin, çünkü onun ______ ______.
'Sözü sözdür' is the fixed idiomatic expression for reliability.
Aşağıdakilerden hangisi 'sözü sözdür' olan birini tarif eder?
The phrase specifically refers to keeping promises.
Ayşe: 'Mehmet parayı yarın getirecek mi?' Fatma: 'Evet, merak etme. Mehmet'in ______.'
Fatma is reassuring Ayşe about Mehmet's reliability.
Hangi durumda 'sözü sözdür' denir?
Financial reliability is a core context for this phrase.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
These are the primary related terms.
🎉 Score: /5
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, Turkish is gender-neutral. 'Onun sözü sözdür' applies to everyone.
Yes, especially when confirming a verbal agreement. 'Konuştuğumuz gibi, sözüm sözdür.'
'Dürüst' means honest in general. 'Sözü sözdür' specifically means they keep their promises.
It is neutral to formal. It's respectful, so it's safe in most settings.
Yes! It means 'I am a person of my word.' It's a strong way to build trust.
A little bit, but in a good way. it sounds 'classic' and 'principled'.
In Turkish culture, this is a major blow to your reputation (itibar).
Yes, you can say 'Bu bankanın sözü sözdür.'
Yes, 'Sözümüz senet' or 'Lafımız ikiletilmez' are more street-style versions.
Round your lips like you're going to say 'O' but try to say 'E'.
Related Phrases
sözünün eri
synonymA person who stands by their word.
sözünde durmak
builds onTo keep one's promise.
ağzından çıkan söz
similarThe word that comes out of one's mouth.
söz gümüşse sükut altındır
contrastIf speech is silver, silence is gold.
sözü senettir
specialized formHis word is a bond.
