Signification
Task requiring much effort.
Contexte culturel
The phrase is almost always paired with 'Kolay gelsin'. It's considered rude to see someone working hard and not acknowledge it with this phrase. In the past, 'zor' was associated with the power of the Sultan or the military. A 'zor iş' was something that required the Sultan's 'zūr' (power). Turkish employees often use 'zor iş' to signal that they are working hard, which is a valued trait. It's a way of showing dedication. In farming communities, 'zor iş' refers to the seasonal struggle against nature. It's spoken with a sense of pride and endurance.
The Empathy Trick
If someone is complaining, just say 'Zor iş valla' (It's hard work, truly). It makes you sound very native and sympathetic.
Don't overdo it
If you call every small task 'zor iş', you might sound like a 'mızmız' (whiner).
Signification
Task requiring much effort.
The Empathy Trick
If someone is complaining, just say 'Zor iş valla' (It's hard work, truly). It makes you sound very native and sympathetic.
Don't overdo it
If you call every small task 'zor iş', you might sound like a 'mızmız' (whiner).
The 'Kolay Gelsin' Rule
Always say 'Kolay gelsin' when you see someone doing a 'zor iş'. It's the most important social rule in Turkey.
Teste-toi
Fill in the blank with the correct form of 'zor iş'.
Doktor olmak çok ______, ama çok kutsal.
We are describing a profession/category of work, so 'zor iş' is the standard choice.
Which response is most appropriate when someone says they have a 'zor iş'?
A: 'Bugün bütün evi tek başıma boyayacağım.' B: '______'
'Kolay gelsin' is the standard cultural response to someone doing hard work.
Match the situation to the phrase.
1. Moving a piano. 2. Eating an apple. 3. Sleeping.
Moving a piano requires significant effort, making it a 'zor iş'.
Complete the dialogue.
Ayşe: 'Sınav sonuçlarını beklemek çok ______.' Mehmet: 'Haklısın, sabretmek lazım.'
Waiting for results is emotionally difficult, fitting the 'zor iş' pattern.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Types of Zor İş
Physical
- • Construction
- • Cleaning
- • Moving
Mental
- • Exams
- • Coding
- • Writing
Social
- • Arguments
- • Persuasion
- • Parenting
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesDoktor olmak çok ______, ama çok kutsal.
We are describing a profession/category of work, so 'zor iş' is the standard choice.
A: 'Bugün bütün evi tek başıma boyayacağım.' B: '______'
'Kolay gelsin' is the standard cultural response to someone doing hard work.
1. Moving a piano. 2. Eating an apple. 3. Sleeping.
Moving a piano requires significant effort, making it a 'zor iş'.
Ayşe: 'Sınav sonuçlarını beklemek çok ______.' Mehmet: 'Haklısın, sabretmek lazım.'
Waiting for results is emotionally difficult, fitting the 'zor iş' pattern.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsIt's neutral. You can use it with your boss or your friends.
Yes, but it sounds more like a 'challenging mission' rather than just 'hard work'.
'Kolay iş' or 'çocuk oyuncağı' (child's play).
No, it can mean any task, errand, or even a 'matter' or 'business'.
Use 'Bu çok zor bir iş.'
No, use 'zor bir insan' for a difficult person.
Yes, many songs use it to describe the 'hard work' of love.
'Zor' is more common in daily life; 'güç' is slightly more formal or physical.
Yes, for plural tasks: 'Zor işlerle uğraşıyorum' (I'm dealing with hard tasks).
It's better to just say 'Kolay gelsin.'
Expressions liées
güç iş
synonymDifficult task
kolay iş
contrastEasy task
zoruna gitmek
builds onTo be offended/hurt
iş başa düştü
similarOne has to do it oneself
zahmetli iş
specialized formLaborious task
