Meaning
Talking too much.
Cultural Background
Turkish people value 'sohbet' (social talk), but there is a social limit. 'Sözü uzatmak' is the point where 'sohbet' becomes a burden. In many Middle Eastern cultures, directness can sometimes be seen as rude. However, in modern business, 'sözü uzatmamak' is increasingly valued as a sign of professionalism. Cultures that value high efficiency (like Germany or the US) might find the Turkish tendency to 'sözü uzatmak' in social settings frustrating, while Turks might find the directness of those cultures 'kaba' (rude). In Ottoman literature, 'îcâz-ı muhill' (brevity that ruins the meaning) was bad, but 'itnâb-ı mülil' (boring lengthiness) was also avoided. 'Sözü uzatmak' is the modern descendant of this critique.
Use it to sound like a pro
Start your conclusion with 'Sözü fazla uzatmayayım...' to instantly sound more like a native speaker in presentations.
Careful with 'Laf'
Only use 'Lafı uzatma' with people you know well. It can sound aggressive to strangers.
Meaning
Talking too much.
Use it to sound like a pro
Start your conclusion with 'Sözü fazla uzatmayayım...' to instantly sound more like a native speaker in presentations.
Careful with 'Laf'
Only use 'Lafı uzatma' with people you know well. It can sound aggressive to strangers.
The 'Sadede Gel' combo
Pairing 'Sözü uzatma' with 'sadede gel' is the standard way to express genuine impatience.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct form of the idiom.
Lütfen ____ uzatmadan ne istediğini söyle.
The idiom requires the accusative case '-ü' on the word 'söz'.
Which sentence is the most natural way to tell a friend to get to the point?
Arkadaşına 'sadede gel' demek istiyorsun. Hangisi en uygun?
'Lafı uzatmak' is the informal version, and 'sadede gel' is the perfect companion phrase.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Toplantı nasıl geçti? B: Çok sıkıcıydı. Müdür yine ______.
If the meeting was boring, it's likely because the manager talked for too long.
Match the phrase to the situation.
Sözü uzatmadan konuya girelim.
This is a classic professional transition phrase.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesLütfen ____ uzatmadan ne istediğini söyle.
The idiom requires the accusative case '-ü' on the word 'söz'.
Arkadaşına 'sadede gel' demek istiyorsun. Hangisi en uygun?
'Lafı uzatmak' is the informal version, and 'sadede gel' is the perfect companion phrase.
A: Toplantı nasıl geçti? B: Çok sıkıcıydı. Müdür yine ______.
If the meeting was boring, it's likely because the manager talked for too long.
Sözü uzatmadan konuya girelim.
This is a classic professional transition phrase.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
5 questionsYes, it almost always implies that the length of the speech is unnecessary or boring.
Absolutely. It's common in essays to say 'Sözü uzatmadan sonuca geçelim' (Let's move to the conclusion without dragging it out).
'Söz' is more formal/neutral; 'laf' is more informal/casual.
You can use 'Lafı dolandırma' or 'Sözü uzatma da sadede gel'.
No, it's generally too direct. Instead, you might say 'Vaktinizi çok almayayım' (Let me not take too much of your time).
Related Phrases
lafı dolandırmak
similarTo beat around the bush.
sadede gelmek
contrastTo get to the point.
sözünü kesmek
similarTo interrupt someone.
kısa kesmek
contrastTo keep it short.
