B1 adjective 8 min de lecture

istisnai

When something is istisnai, it means it's an exception to the rule. Think of it as something that stands out because it's uncommon or remarkable. It's not the usual, but rather something special or out of the ordinary. You might hear it when talking about an exceptional talent or a rare event.

When something is istisnai, it means it's not the usual or expected. Think of it as standing out from the ordinary. It can describe a situation, a person, or an event that is uncommon and often remarkable.

For instance, an istisnai durum would be an exceptional circumstance. If a student shows an istisnai yetenek, they have extraordinary talent. It's a useful word for highlighting things that are out of the norm, whether in a positive or sometimes a neutral sense of being rare.

§ What 'İstisnai' Means

Alright, let's talk about the Turkish word 'istisnai'. This isn't a super common everyday word, but it's very useful to know, especially as you get more comfortable with Turkish. Think of it as meaning 'exceptional', 'rare', or 'extraordinary'. It's an adjective, so it describes a noun.

DEFINITION
Exceptional, rare, or extraordinary

When do people use it? You use 'istisnai' when something stands out from the norm, either in a good way or just because it's unusual. It implies that something is an exception to a general rule or expectation. It's not just 'different'; it's 'exceptionally different' or 'uncommonly different'.

§ Common Uses of 'İstisnai'

Let's break down some common situations where you'll hear or read 'istisnai'.

  • For special circumstances: Imagine there's a rule, but sometimes, for very specific reasons, that rule doesn't apply. That's an 'istisnai durum' (exceptional situation).
  • For rare events: If something doesn't happen often, it's 'istisnai bir olay' (a rare event). Think of a solar eclipse or winning the lottery.
  • For outstanding qualities: If someone has a talent or a characteristic that is truly remarkable, you might describe it as 'istisnai bir yetenek' (an exceptional talent).
  • In formal contexts: You'll often see 'istisnai' in news articles, official documents, or more formal conversations when discussing exceptions to policies or laws.

§ Examples in Context

Let's look at some examples to really nail this down. Pay attention to how 'istisnai' changes the meaning of the sentence.

Bu, istisnai bir durumdu.

Translation hint: "This was an exceptional situation." Here, it means it wasn't the usual state of affairs.

Oyunculuk yeteneği gerçekten istisnaidir.

Translation hint: "His/Her acting talent is truly exceptional." This means their talent is outstanding and uncommon.

Bu yılki kar yağışı istisnai derecede fazlaydı.

Translation hint: "This year's snowfall was exceptionally high." It was more than usual, an extraordinary amount.

Yaptığı hata istisnai bir durumdu, genellikle çok dikkatlidir.

Translation hint: "The mistake he/she made was an exceptional situation; he/she is usually very careful." Here, the mistake is unusual for this person.

§ Connecting 'İstisnai' to 'İstisna'

You might also come across the word 'istisna'. This is the noun form, meaning 'exception'. So, 'istisnai' (exceptional) describes something that is an 'istisna' (an exception). They're two sides of the same coin.

Kuralın birkaç istisnası var.

Translation hint: "There are a few exceptions to the rule." Here, 'istisna' is the noun.

Understanding 'istisnai' and its related noun 'istisna' will definitely help you grasp more nuanced conversations and texts in Turkish. It's about recognizing when something is not typical, but rather stands apart for some reason. Keep an eye out for it, and try to use it when you want to emphasize the uniqueness or rarity of a situation or quality.

§ Understanding 'İstisnai'

The Turkish word 'istisnai' is an adjective that translates to exceptional, rare, or extraordinary in English. It's used to describe something that stands out, is unusual, or is not subject to a general rule. Think of it as a way to highlight uniqueness or a deviation from the norm. This word is quite common in both formal and informal Turkish, so understanding its usage will definitely boost your fluency.

Word Type
Adjective
CEFR Level
B1

§ Basic Usage

As an adjective, 'istisnai' directly modifies a noun. This means it will usually come before the noun it describes, just like many other adjectives in Turkish. No special endings or suffixes are typically needed on 'istisnai' itself when it's used this way.

Bu istisnai bir durumdur. (This is an exceptional situation.)

Onun yetenekleri istisnaidir. (His/Her talents are exceptional.)

§ Using 'istisnai' with 'olarak' (as / in an exceptional way)

You can also use 'istisnai' with the suffix '-olarak' to form an adverbial phrase, meaning 'exceptionally' or 'in an exceptional way'. This is particularly useful when you want to describe how an action is performed.

O, sınavda istisnai olarak başarılı oldu. (He/She was exceptionally successful in the exam.)

Bu proje istisnai olarak erken bitti. (This project finished exceptionally early.)

§ Common Phrases and Contexts

Here are some common ways you'll hear 'istisnai' used in Turkish, giving you a better feel for its practical application:

  • İstisnai durum: An exceptional situation. This is a very common phrase, often used when something deviates from the usual course of events.
  • İstisnai yetenek: Exceptional talent. Used to describe someone with outstanding abilities.
  • İstisnai güzellik: Exceptional beauty. Describes something or someone extraordinarily beautiful.
  • İstisnai bir olay: An extraordinary event. Refers to an event that is unusual or remarkable.

Bu, şirketin tarihinde istisnai bir başarıdır. (This is an exceptional success in the company's history.)

Sanatçının performansı gerçekten istisnaiydi. (The artist's performance was truly exceptional.)

§ Avoiding Common Mistakes

One common mistake learners make is trying to apply complex grammatical rules to adjectives that don't require them. 'İstisnai' is pretty straightforward:

  • Don't add case endings to 'istisnai' itself: Unless it's part of a noun phrase that needs a case ending (e.g., 'istisnai durumu' - its exceptional situation), the adjective itself remains unchanged.
  • Context is key: While 'exceptional' has positive connotations in English, 'istisnai' can be neutral or even slightly negative depending on the context. For example, an 'istisnai durum' could be an exceptional problem.

Bu kuralın istisnai bir yanı var. (This rule has an exceptional aspect.)

Gecikme istisnai bir sebepten dolayıydı. (The delay was due to an exceptional reason.)

§ Summary

'İstisnai' is a versatile adjective that describes something as exceptional, rare, or extraordinary. It's generally straightforward to use, placed before the noun it modifies. You can also turn it into an adverb with '-olarak'. Practice using it in different contexts, and you'll quickly master this useful word!

§ Mistakes People Make with "İstisnai"

Alright, so you've learned that "istisnai" means exceptional, rare, or extraordinary. That's a great start! But like many words, especially when you're translating from English, there are some common pitfalls. Let's break them down so you can use "istisnai" like a pro.

DEFINITION
Exceptional, rare, or extraordinary. It implies something that stands out from the norm, often in a positive or unique way, but can also denote something that is an exception to a rule.

§ Mistake 1: Overusing it for simple "very good"

The biggest mistake learners make is using "istisnai" when they simply mean something is "very good" or "excellent." While an exceptional thing is often very good, "istisnai" carries a stronger sense of rarity, uniqueness, or being an exception. It's not just a synonym for "great."

For example, if you had a really tasty meal, you wouldn't typically say "Bu yemek istisnaiydi" (This meal was exceptional) unless it was a meal so incredibly unique and unlike anything you've ever tasted that it truly stood out from all other meals. You'd probably just say "Çok lezzetliydi" (It was very delicious) or "Mükemmeldi" (It was excellent).

§ Mistake 2: Confusing it with "special" in a casual sense

Another common error is to use "istisnai" when you mean "special" in a more casual, everyday sense, like a "special offer" or a "special occasion." For these contexts, Turkish has other, more appropriate words.

  • For a "special offer," you'd use "özel indirim" or "kampanya."
  • For a "special occasion," you'd say "özel gün."

"İstisnai" implies a level of uniqueness or deviation from the norm that "özel" (special) doesn't always convey. An "istisnai durum" is an exceptional circumstance, a truly unusual situation, not just a "special situation" that happens regularly.

Bu, kariyerimde istisnai bir fırsattı. (This was an exceptional opportunity in my career.)

Here, "istisnai" works because it suggests a rare, once-in-a-lifetime kind of opportunity, not just a 'special' one.

§ Mistake 3: Not understanding its formal nuance

"İstisnai" tends to be a bit more formal than some of its English equivalents. While you might casually say "that's exceptional!" in English, in Turkish, using "istisnai" in a very casual setting might sound a little stiff or overly dramatic. It's perfectly fine in formal writing, news reports, or when discussing serious matters or truly unique phenomena.

Performansı istisnaiydi ve herkesi hayran bıraktı. (His/Her performance was exceptional and amazed everyone.)

This sentence works because an exceptional performance implies a high level of skill that stands out from others.

§ How to use "İstisnai" correctly

To use "istisnai" effectively, always ask yourself:

  • Is this truly rare or unusual?
  • Does it deviate from a general rule or norm?
  • Is it extraordinary in a way that makes it stand out significantly?

If the answer to these questions is yes, then "istisnai" is likely the right word. If you just mean "very good," "excellent," or "special" in a common sense, opt for words like "çok iyi," "mükemmel," "harika," or "özel."

Niveau de difficulté

Lecture 1/5

short

Écriture 1/5

short

Expression orale 1/5

short

Écoute 1/5

short

Quoi apprendre ensuite

Prérequis

durum (situation) yeteneğe (talent) fırsattı (opportunity)

Apprends ensuite

olağanüstü (extraordinary) nadiren (rarely) benzersiz (unique)

Avancé

istisna (exception) istisnalar kaideyi bozmaz (exceptions prove the rule) istisnai durum (exceptional circumstance)

Exemples par niveau

1

Bu durum istisnai.

This situation is exceptional.

2

O, istisnai bir öğrenci.

He/She is an exceptional student.

3

Bu, istisnai bir fırsat.

This is a rare opportunity.

4

İstisnai bir yeteneği var.

He/She has an extraordinary talent.

5

Böyle bir hava istisnai.

Such weather is exceptional.

6

İstisnai bir durumla karşılaştık.

We encountered an exceptional situation.

7

Bu kitap istisnai.

This book is exceptional.

8

Onun başarısı istisnaiydi.

His/Her success was exceptional.

1

Bu durum oldukça istisnai bir durumdur.

This situation is quite exceptional.

2

O, istisnai bir yeteneğe sahip.

He/She has an exceptional talent.

3

Bu, kurallarımızın istisnai bir uygulamasıdır.

This is an exceptional application of our rules.

4

Onun başarısı gerçekten istisnaiydi.

His/Her success was truly exceptional.

5

Böyle bir teklif istisnai olarak gelir.

Such an offer comes exceptionally (rarely).

6

İstisnai durumlar için özel önlemler alınır.

Special measures are taken for exceptional circumstances.

7

Bu proje, istisnai bir çaba gerektirdi.

This project required an exceptional effort.

8

Onun kararları genellikle istisnai derecede doğrudur.

His/Her decisions are usually exceptionally correct.

1

Bu durum, şirketimizin tarihinde bir istisnai olaydır ve dikkatle incelenmelidir.

This situation is an exceptional event in our company's history and should be examined carefully.

2

Onun yetenekleri gerçekten istisnai; bu alanda çok az kişi onunla boy ölçüşebilir.

His talents are truly exceptional; very few people in this field can compare with him.

3

Gösterdiği istisnai performans sayesinde takımın vazgeçilmez bir parçası haline geldi.

Thanks to his exceptional performance, he became an indispensable part of the team.

4

Bu kadar kısa sürede böyle bir başarı elde etmesi, istisnai bir azim göstergesidir.

Achieving such success in such a short time is a sign of exceptional determination.

5

Piyasada bu kalitede bir ürünü bu fiyata bulmak oldukça istisnai bir durumdur.

Finding a product of this quality at this price in the market is a rather exceptional situation.

6

Meteorologlar, bu yılki hava koşullarının son 50 yılın en istisnai koşulları olduğunu belirtti.

Meteorologists stated that this year's weather conditions are the most exceptional in the last 50 years.

7

Sanatçının eserleri, yaratıcılığı ve özgünlüğü açısından istisnai bir değere sahiptir.

The artist's works have exceptional value in terms of creativity and originality.

8

Aldığımız geri bildirimlere göre, müşteri memnuniyetimiz bu çeyrekte istisnai bir seviyeye ulaştı.

According to the feedback we received, our customer satisfaction reached an exceptional level this quarter.

Famille de mots

Noms

istisna exception
istisnacılık exceptionalism

Comment l'utiliser

İstisnai is an adjective used to describe something that deviates from the norm or is uncommon. Think of it as 'exceptional' or 'rare'. It often implies a positive or noteworthy deviation.

Erreurs courantes

A common mistake is confusing istisnai with words like 'special' (özel) when the context specifically calls for something that is out of the ordinary or a rare exception. While sometimes interchangeable, istisnai strongly emphasizes the 'exception' aspect. Also, remember it's an adjective, so it modifies a noun. Don't use it as a noun on its own.

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

To remember 'istisnai,' you can think of it as meaning 'exceptional' or 'rare.' Imagine something that stands out because it's so good or unusual. Try using it in a few sentences about things that are truly exceptional to you.

Yes, you absolutely can! You can say someone has 'istisnai yetenekler' (exceptional talents) or that they are an 'istisnai öğrenci' (an exceptional student). It's a great way to praise someone's outstanding qualities.

Both 'istisnai' and 'nadir' can mean 'rare,' but 'istisnai' often carries a stronger sense of being out of the ordinary or exceptional, often in a positive way. 'Nadir' simply means 'rare' in frequency. For example, a 'nadir kuş' is a rare bird, but an 'istisnai yetenek' is an exceptional talent.

While 'istisnai' is usually positive, describing something as exceptional, it can occasionally be used to describe something unusually bad, like an 'istisnai hata' (an exceptional mistake). However, this is less common than its positive use.

A very common phrase is 'istisnai durum' (exceptional situation) or 'istisnai bir durum' (an exceptional situation). You might hear this when discussing something that's an exception to the rule.

Break it down: 'is-tis-na-i'. The stress is generally on the last syllable, 'na-i'. The 'i' at the end is like the 'i' in 'machine'.

Absolutely! You can describe an 'istisnai olay' (an exceptional event) or 'istisnai bir başarı' (an exceptional success). It works well for things that are noteworthy and out of the ordinary.

'İstisnai' is a relatively formal word. While you'll hear it in everyday conversation, it sounds a bit more polished and academic than a simpler word like 'çok iyi' (very good) or 'ender' (rare).

Some synonyms that convey similar meanings are 'olağanüstü' (extraordinary, unusual), 'ender' (rare), and 'benzersiz' (unique). The best synonym depends on the exact nuance you want to express.

To turn 'istisnai' into an adverb, you would typically add '-en' or use a phrase like 'istisnai bir şekilde'. For example, 'istisnai bir şekilde başarılı oldu' means 'he was exceptionally successful'.

Teste-toi 24 questions

listening B1

Listen to the sentence about an exceptional situation.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : Bu istisnai bir durum.
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening B1

Listen to the sentence about an exceptional success.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : Onun başarısı gerçekten istisnai.
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening B1

Listen to the sentence about children with exceptional talents.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : İstisnai yeteneklere sahip çocuklar var.
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking B1

Read this aloud:

Bu olay çok istisnaiydi.

Focus: is-tis-na-i

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking B1

Read this aloud:

Sizce bu istisnai bir durum mu?

Focus: is-tis-na-i

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking B1

Read this aloud:

Onun istisnai yeteneği herkesi şaşırttı.

Focus: is-tis-na-i

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
fill blank C1

Bu yetenekli sanatçının eseri gerçekten de ___ bir başarı örneğiydi. (This talented artist's work was truly an ___ example of success.)

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : istisnai

'İstisnai' means exceptional, which fits the context of a talented artist's work.

fill blank C1

Yoğun rekabete rağmen, bu şirketin büyüme hızı ___ olarak değerlendirilebilir. (Despite intense competition, this company's growth rate can be considered ___.)

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : istisnai

Given the 'intense competition,' 'istisnai' (exceptional) is the most suitable word for an impressive growth rate.

fill blank C1

Onun bu konudaki bilgisi gerçekten çok geniş; her zaman ___ görüşler sunuyor. (His knowledge on this subject is truly vast; he always offers ___ insights.)

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : istisnai

If his knowledge is vast, he would offer 'istisnai' (extraordinary) insights.

fill blank C1

Bu tür bir fırsat kariyerimde oldukça ___ bir durum. (This kind of opportunity is a rather ___ situation in my career.)

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : istisnai

For a significant career opportunity, 'istisnai' (rare, exceptional) is the appropriate choice.

fill blank C1

Bu durumun yaşanması tamamen ___ bir olaydı ve kimse beklemiyordu. (The occurrence of this situation was an entirely ___ event, and no one expected it.)

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : istisnai

If 'no one expected it,' then 'istisnai' (exceptional, extraordinary) accurately describes the event.

fill blank C1

Projenin tamamlanma süresi, ekibin ___ çabaları sayesinde kısaldı. (The project completion time was shortened thanks to the team's ___ efforts.)

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : istisnai

Shortening project time requires 'istisnai' (exceptional) efforts from the team.

fill blank C2

Bu yetenekli sanatçının performansları her zaman ___.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : istisnai

Boşluğa 'exceptional' anlamına gelen 'istisnai' kelimesi gelmelidir.

fill blank C2

Olayın doğası gereği, böyle bir durumun tekrar yaşanması oldukça ___.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : istisnai

Cümlenin anlam akışına göre, olayın tekrar yaşanmasının 'rare' olduğunu belirten 'istisnai' kelimesi doğru seçimdir.

fill blank C2

Projenin başarısı için gösterdiği çaba gerçekten ___ bir örnekti.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : istisnai

Gösterilen çabanın 'extraordinary' olduğunu ifade etmek için 'istisnai' kelimesi kullanılmalıdır.

fill blank C2

Bu dönemdeki hava koşulları, mevsim normallerinin çok üzerinde, adeta ___.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : istisnai

Hava koşullarının 'exceptional' veya 'extraordinary' olduğunu anlatmak için 'istisnai' en uygun kelimedir.

fill blank C2

Onun bu konudaki bilgisi ve deneyimi, sektörde gerçekten ___ bir konuma sahip olmasını sağlıyor.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : istisnai

Kişinin bilgi ve deneyimiyle 'exceptional' bir konumda olduğunu belirtmek için 'istisnai' kelimesi kullanılır.

fill blank C2

Bu tip durumlarda, genel kurala uymayan ___ bir çözüm bulmak gerekebilir.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : istisnai

Genel kurala uymayan, yani 'exceptional' bir çözüm arandığını belirtmek için 'istisnai' kelimesi doğrudur.

listening C2

This situation represents an exceptional success in the company's history.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : Bu durum, şirket tarihindeki istisnai bir başarıyı temsil ediyor.
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening C2

His abilities were truly exceptional, so we entrusted him with the project.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : Onun yetenekleri gerçekten istisnaiydi, bu yüzden projeyi ona emanet ettik.
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening C2

Such an exceptional opportunity comes once in a lifetime, you shouldn't miss it.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : Böyle istisnai bir fırsat hayatta bir kez gelir, kaçırmamak gerek.
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking C2

Read this aloud:

Bu sanatçının eserleri gerçekten istisnai bir sanatsal değere sahip.

Focus: is-tis-na-yee

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking C2

Read this aloud:

Gösterdiği istisnai çaba takdire şayandır.

Focus: tak-di-re şa-yan-dır

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking C2

Read this aloud:

İstisnai durumlar dışında kurallara uymak zorundayız.

Focus: du-rum-lar dış-ın-da

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :

/ 24 correct

Perfect score!

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