المعنى
Be careful what you say.
خلفية ثقافية
In traditional Turkish neighborhoods, windows are often left open and neighbors are very attentive. 'Yerin kulağı var' is a reminder that in such a close-knit society, news travels fast. The phrase has historical weight from the era of spies and 'jurnalcilik' (informant culture) in the Ottoman Empire, where saying the wrong thing could lead to exile. Turks are very active on social media but also very aware of surveillance. The phrase is now used to warn friends about what they post or send in groups. Sometimes used to prevent 'nazar'. If you talk too much about your good fortune, 'the ground' (envious people) might hear and bring bad luck.
Use it to be polite
Instead of saying 'Shut up,' say 'Yerin kulağı var.' It sounds like you are protecting the person rather than silencing them.
Don't over-pluralize
Remember, it's 'kulağı' (its ear), not 'kulakları' (its ears).
المعنى
Be careful what you say.
Use it to be polite
Instead of saying 'Shut up,' say 'Yerin kulağı var.' It sounds like you are protecting the person rather than silencing them.
Don't over-pluralize
Remember, it's 'kulağı' (its ear), not 'kulakları' (its ears).
The 'Şşşt' factor
This proverb is almost always accompanied by a 'shushing' sound or a finger to the lips.
Modern usage
Use it when someone is about to send a risky text message to a group chat.
اختبر نفسك
Fill in the missing word to complete the proverb.
Sessiz ol, yerin ______ var.
The proverb is 'yerin kulağı var' (the ground has an ear).
Which situation is best suited for the phrase 'yerin kulağı var'?
Situation: You are in a crowded elevator and your friend starts talking about a secret company merger.
This phrase is used to warn someone that they might be overheard in public.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Ahmet'in yeni işinden ne kadar kazandığını biliyor musun? B: Şşşt! Yan masadakiler bize bakıyor, ______.
B is warning A to be quiet because people at the next table might hear.
Which of the following is the correct grammatical form?
Choose the standard proverb:
The proverb requires the genitive '-in' and the singular possessive 'kulağı'.
🎉 النتيجة: /4
وسائل تعلم بصرية
بنك التمارين
4 تمارينSessiz ol, yerin ______ var.
The proverb is 'yerin kulağı var' (the ground has an ear).
Situation: You are in a crowded elevator and your friend starts talking about a secret company merger.
This phrase is used to warn someone that they might be overheard in public.
A: Ahmet'in yeni işinden ne kadar kazandığını biliyor musun? B: Şşşt! Yan masadakiler bize bakıyor, ______.
B is warning A to be quiet because people at the next table might hear.
Choose the standard proverb:
The proverb requires the genitive '-in' and the singular possessive 'kulağı'.
🎉 النتيجة: /4
الأسئلة الشائعة
10 أسئلةNo, it's generally seen as helpful advice or a cautious warning.
It's a bit informal for an email. Better to use 'Gizlilik önemlidir' (Privacy is important).
Both are used, but 'ground' is more traditional and implies that even the earth itself is listening.
Not directly, though it aligns with Islamic teachings about avoiding backbiting (gıybet).
Yes, very much so, especially when talking about social media drama.
There isn't a direct proverbial opposite, but 'Aramızda kalsın' (Let it stay between us) is the goal.
No, it's always a statement of fact/warning.
Yes, versions exist in Azeri and Uzbek with very similar wording.
Usually with 'Haklısın' (You're right) or by lowering your voice.
Yes, if you are keeping a surprise party secret.
عبارات ذات صلة
duvarların kulağı var
synonymWalls have ears.
sırrını söyleme dostuna, o da söyler dostuna
builds onDon't tell your secret to your friend, they will tell theirs.
ağzından çıkanı kulağın duysun
similarListen to what is coming out of your mouth.
dilin kemiği yok
similarThe tongue has no bone.
su uyur düşman uyumaz
similarWater sleeps, but the enemy does not.
