Meaning
Someone who brings shame to their family or group.
Cultural Background
In traditional Turkish families, the concept of 'Sülale' (extended family/lineage) is very important. A 'yüz karası' doesn't just hurt their parents; they hurt the memory of their grandparents and the future of their cousins. Turkish soap operas (dizis) frequently use this phrase for dramatic effect. It is a staple of scenes where a patriarch disowns a child. The phrase reflects the Ottoman judicial system's focus on public shaming (teşhir) as a deterrent for crime. Today, the phrase is used in 'cancel culture' in Turkey. When a celebrity does something unethical, the hashtag #YüzKarası often trends.
Very Strong Language
Be careful using this with friends. It is a very strong insult that implies a person is a failure to their entire family.
Use with 'İlan Etmek'
In news reports, you will often see 'yüz karası ilan edildi' (was declared a disgrace). This sounds very professional.
Meaning
Someone who brings shame to their family or group.
Very Strong Language
Be careful using this with friends. It is a very strong insult that implies a person is a failure to their entire family.
Use with 'İlan Etmek'
In news reports, you will often see 'yüz karası ilan edildi' (was declared a disgrace). This sounds very professional.
The 'White' Opposite
If you want to praise someone, use 'yüz akı'. For example: 'Bu başarı okulumuzun yüz akıdır.'
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct form of 'yüz karası'.
Onun bu dürüst olmayan davranışı tüm meslektaşları için bir _______.
The sentence describes a dishonest behavior that affects colleagues, which fits the definition of 'yüz karası'.
Which situation is most appropriate for using 'yüz karası'?
Aşağıdaki durumlardan hangisinde 'yüz karası' deyimi kullanılabilir?
Cheating is a moral failure that shames the sport, making it a perfect context for 'yüz karası'.
Complete the dialogue.
Anne: 'Oğlum, neden yalan söyledin? Bütün akrabalarımıza rezil olduk!' Oğul: 'Biliyorum anne, ben bu ailenin _______.'
The son is acknowledging that he has shamed the family, so 'yüz karasıyım' (I am the disgrace) is the correct response.
Match the idiom with its meaning.
Eşleştirme yapın:
Yüz karası is the person (disgrace), Alnı ak is being honorable, and Yüzünü kara çıkarmak is the action of shaming someone.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Yüz Karası vs. Black Sheep
Practice Bank
4 exercisesOnun bu dürüst olmayan davranışı tüm meslektaşları için bir _______.
The sentence describes a dishonest behavior that affects colleagues, which fits the definition of 'yüz karası'.
Aşağıdaki durumlardan hangisinde 'yüz karası' deyimi kullanılabilir?
Cheating is a moral failure that shames the sport, making it a perfect context for 'yüz karası'.
Anne: 'Oğlum, neden yalan söyledin? Bütün akrabalarımıza rezil olduk!' Oğul: 'Biliyorum anne, ben bu ailenin _______.'
The son is acknowledging that he has shamed the family, so 'yüz karasıyım' (I am the disgrace) is the correct response.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
Yüz karası is the person (disgrace), Alnı ak is being honorable, and Yüzünü kara çıkarmak is the action of shaming someone.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, but it sounds very self-deprecating or dramatic. 'Ben bu ailenin yüz karasıyım' (I am the disgrace of this family).
Mostly, but 'yüz karası' is more about shame and honor, while 'black sheep' can just mean being different.
No, it is a standard idiom used in formal, literary, and daily language.
Yes, for example, a poorly built bridge can be a 'mühendisliğin yüz karası' (disgrace of engineering).
Yüz karaları. 'Onlar bu ülkenin yüz karalarıdır.'
Yes, if directed at a person, it is a serious insult to their character and family.
Use 'yüz karası olmak'.
Only if you are discussing a past ethical scandal in the industry that you disagree with. Don't use it to describe yourself!
In idioms, 'kara' (black) often represents bad luck, shame, or evil, while 'ak' (white) represents good.
'Rezalet' is the 'scandal' or 'shameful event' itself. 'Yüz karası' is the person or thing that *is* the disgrace.
Related Phrases
yüz akı
contrastA source of pride
yüzünü kara çıkarmak
builds onTo shame someone who trusted you
utanç kaynağı
synonymSource of shame
kara koyun
similarBlack sheep
alnı ak olmak
contrastTo have a clean record/honor
