Meaning
Starting a journey.
Cultural Background
The ritual of pouring water behind a traveler is a common sight when someone is 'yola koyuluyor.' It symbolizes a wish for a smooth return. Many folk songs (Türkü) use the concept of 'yola koyulmak' or 'yola düşmek' to describe the pain of separation or the hope of a new beginning. In Sufi tradition, the 'yol' (path) is the spiritual journey toward God. 'Yola koyulmak' is the first step of the initiate (dervish). In big cities like Istanbul, 'yola koyulmak' is often used specifically in the context of beating the notorious traffic.
Use it for excitement
Use 'yola koyulmak' instead of 'gitmek' when you want to show you are excited about a trip.
Don't forget the -a
Saying 'yol koyulmak' is a common mistake. Always use 'yola'.
Meaning
Starting a journey.
Use it for excitement
Use 'yola koyulmak' instead of 'gitmek' when you want to show you are excited about a trip.
Don't forget the -a
Saying 'yol koyulmak' is a common mistake. Always use 'yola'.
Pair with blessings
When someone says they are 'yola koyuluyor,' respond with 'Yolun açık olsun!'
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct form of 'yola koyulmak'.
Bavullarımızı hazırladık ve sabah saat beşte ______.
The past tense 'koyulduk' is needed for a completed action, and 'yola' uses the correct dative case.
Which sentence uses the idiom metaphorically?
Aşağıdaki cümlelerin hangisinde 'yola koyulmak' mecaz anlamda kullanılmıştır?
Starting a company is a metaphorical journey, not a physical one on a road.
Complete the dialogue.
Ayşe: 'Hadi, geç kalıyoruz!' Mehmet: 'Tamam, tamam. ______.'
Mehmet is announcing that they are starting the journey right now.
Match the situation with the correct phrase.
You are starting a long-awaited trip to Europe.
'Yola koyulmak' means to start a journey. 'Yolda kalmak' means to be stranded.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesBavullarımızı hazırladık ve sabah saat beşte ______.
The past tense 'koyulduk' is needed for a completed action, and 'yola' uses the correct dative case.
Aşağıdaki cümlelerin hangisinde 'yola koyulmak' mecaz anlamda kullanılmıştır?
Starting a company is a metaphorical journey, not a physical one on a road.
Ayşe: 'Hadi, geç kalıyoruz!' Mehmet: 'Tamam, tamam. ______.'
Mehmet is announcing that they are starting the journey right now.
You are starting a long-awaited trip to Europe.
'Yola koyulmak' means to start a journey. 'Yolda kalmak' means to be stranded.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsIt is neutral. You can use it with friends, family, or in a business meeting when starting a project.
No, it's usually for journeys that require some preparation or distance.
'Yola çıkmak' is more common and simple. 'Yola koyulmak' sounds a bit more purposeful and narrative.
No, it can also mean starting a task or a new phase in life (metaphorical journey).
It is 'yola koyulduk'.
Yes, very often! It adds a poetic touch to lyrics about travel and longing.
It always takes the dative case (-a/-e).
No, just say 'işe koyulmak' to mean starting work.
Yes, 'Yola koyulduk, geliyoruz' is a very common text.
Not necessarily. You can 'yola koyulmak' by foot, by bus, or by plane.
Related Phrases
yola çıkmak
synonymTo set off / to leave for a journey
işe koyulmak
similarTo get to work / to start a task
yola düşmek
similarTo hit the road (often for a long/hard trip)
yol almak
builds onTo make progress / to cover distance
yoldan çıkmak
contrastTo go astray / to deviate from the path
