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söz konusu

B2 adjective 9 min read

söz konusu

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips söz konusu in 30 Seconds

Explanation söz konusu in your Level:

At the A1 level, you don't need to use 'söz konusu' in complex ways. Just think of it as a way to say 'that thing we are talking about'. If you are talking about a book, and you want to say 'the book we are talking about', you can say 'söz konusu kitap'. It helps you point to a specific object without repeating its name too much. It is a bit formal for A1, but you might hear it in very simple announcements or read it in basic news headlines. Think of it as a pointer. It's like saying 'this' but with a bit more focus on the fact that people are talking about it.

For A2 learners, 'söz konusu' becomes useful for clarifying subjects in simple stories or descriptions. You can use it to distinguish between several things. If you are talking about two different cities, you can use 'söz konusu şehir' to make sure the listener knows which one you are currently describing. You will also start to see the negative form: 'söz konusu değil'. This is a great way to say 'no way' or 'that's not what's happening' in a slightly more polite and firm way than just saying 'hayır' (no). It's a stepping stone to more professional-sounding Turkish.

At the B1 level, 'söz konusu' is essential for participating in discussions and expressing opinions. You can use it to set the stage for your arguments. For example, 'Söz konusu eğitim olunca çok dikkatli olmalıyız' (When it comes to education, we must be very careful). It allows you to introduce a topic formally. You should also be comfortable using it in the middle of sentences to refer back to previously mentioned ideas. This helps your Turkish sound more connected and less like a series of isolated sentences. It shows you can maintain a 'thread' of conversation.

At the B2 level (your current level), 'söz konusu' should be a natural part of your vocabulary. You use it to handle abstract topics and complex professional situations. You understand the nuance between 'söz konusu' and its synonyms like 'bahsi geçen'. You can use the phrase to create emphasis, such as 'Burada söz konusu olan sadece para değil, bizim itibarımızdır' (What is at stake here is not just money, but our reputation). You are also able to use it in conditional sentences ('...söz konusu ise...') and in academic or business writing to provide precise references to data or events.

For C1 learners, 'söz konusu' is used with stylistic flair. You can use it to navigate highly formal environments, such as legal proceedings, high-level business negotiations, or academic lectures. You understand how to use it in restrictive and non-restrictive ways. You might also use it in more complex grammatical structures, like 'söz konusu edilemez' (cannot even be made a subject of discussion). Your usage is precise, and you never confuse it with related but different terms. You can also recognize when a speaker uses it to create a specific rhetorical effect, like setting a boundary or emphasizing a moral point.

At the C2 level, you have complete mastery over 'söz konusu'. You can use it to mirror the most sophisticated native speakers. You might even use the archaic 'mevzubahis' in appropriate historical or literary contexts to add flavor to your speech. You understand the deep semantic layers of the phrase—how it can imply doubt, certainty, or urgency depending on the tone. You can write philosophical or legal treatises where 'söz konusu' acts as a vital logical connector. You are also aware of how the phrase has evolved in the Turkish language and can use it to express very subtle shades of meaning in diplomatic or high-stakes communication.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

söz konusu in 30 Seconds

Means 'under consideration' or 'in question'.
Used to specify a topic already mentioned.
'Söz konusu değil' means 'out of the question'.
Highly common in news, business, and formal writing.

The Turkish phrase söz konusu is a cornerstone of formal and semi-formal discourse. Literally translating to "word subject" or "subject of speech," it functions as an adjective or a predicative expression meaning under consideration, in question, or at issue. It is the linguistic tool Turks use to zoom in on a specific topic and declare, "This is exactly what we are talking about right now."

Literal Roots: The word söz means word, promise, or speech. Konu means subject or topic. Combined, they create a specific designation for the 'topic of the words being spoken'.
Functional Usage: It is primarily used to identify a specific person, object, or situation that has already been mentioned or is about to be discussed in detail. It removes ambiguity in complex sentences.

Burada söz konusu olan senin geleceğin.
(What is at issue here is your future.)

In everyday life, you will encounter this phrase in news broadcasts, academic papers, and business meetings. It carries a certain weight; it is not as casual as saying "bu şey" (this thing). Instead, it signals that the speaker is being precise. For example, if a company is discussing layoffs, a manager might say, "İşten çıkarmalar söz konusu değil" (Layoffs are out of the question/not being discussed), which provides a definitive and professional boundary to the conversation.

Hata yapmamız söz konusu bile olamaz.
(It is not even possible for us to make a mistake.)

Beyond simple identification, it serves as a grammatical anchor. When combined with the participle 'olan' (söz konusu olan...), it acts as a subject header. This is particularly useful in legal and administrative Turkish where clarity regarding the subject of a contract or a law is paramount. It ensures that all parties know exactly which 'word-subject' is being regulated or debated.

Register: While it can be used in daily speech, it is the standard in formal writing. It replaces the more colloquial 'bu' (this) or 'bahsedilen' (mentioned) when a higher level of seriousness is required.

In summary, 'söz konusu' is the bridge between a general concept and a specific instance currently under the spotlight of discussion.

Using söz konusu correctly requires understanding its placement relative to the noun it modifies. Unlike simple adjectives like 'mavi' (blue), it often behaves like a fixed phrase that points back to a previously established context.

Pattern 1: As a Predicative Adjective: Subject + [Situation/Noun] + söz konusu + (değil). Use this to state whether something is happening or being considered.

Yeni bir zam söz konusu mu?
(Is a new price hike under consideration?)

In this structure, you are asking about the existence of a possibility or a discussion. It is a very common way to ask about rumors or upcoming changes in a professional environment.

Pattern 2: As an Attributive Adjective: Söz konusu + Noun. This translates to 'The [Noun] in question'.

Söz konusu makale henüz yayımlanmadı.
(The article in question has not been published yet.)

Here, the phrase acts as a determiner. It tells the listener, "I am talking about that specific article we were just discussing, not any other article." This is vital for maintaining coherence in long narratives or complex arguments.

Pattern 3: 'Söz konusu olan...': This structure is used to emphasize the subject. 'Söz konusu olan paradır' (What is at issue is money).

Söz konusu olan sadece başarı değil, dürüstlüktür.
(What is at stake is not just success, but honesty.)

This third pattern is highly rhetorical and emotional. It is used to clarify the true essence of a debate. If people are arguing about details, you can use this to bring them back to the core issue. It functions similarly to the English 'The point is...' or 'What we are really talking about is...'

If you turn on a Turkish news channel like NTV or Habertürk, you will hear söz konusu within the first five minutes. It is the language of the 'agenda' (gündem). Anchors use it to refer to bills in parliament, diplomatic tensions, or economic indicators. It provides a formal frame to the news cycle.

Ege Denizi'ndeki adalar söz konusu olduğunda taviz vermeyiz.
(When the islands in the Aegean Sea are in question, we do not compromise.)

In a Turkish office, the phrase is equally prevalent. During a performance review, a boss might say, "Senin terfin söz konusu" (Your promotion is on the table). Conversely, in a crisis, you might hear "İstifalar söz konusu olabilir" (Resignations might be under consideration). It allows for a degree of professional distance; it sounds less personal and more like a factual statement of the current situation.

Legal Contexts: In courtrooms or legal documents, 'söz konusu suç' (the crime in question) or 'söz konusu mülk' (the property in question) is used to specify the exact legal entity being litigated.
Academic Writing: Scholars use it to refer back to theories, data sets, or historical events mentioned in previous paragraphs to ensure the reader follows the thread of the argument.

You will also hear it in the negative to shut down a topic. If a child asks for a motorcycle and the parent says "Söz konusu bile değil!" (It's not even up for discussion!), it is a very strong 'no'. It implies that the topic is so far from reality that it doesn't even merit being a 'subject of speech'. This usage is very common in interpersonal negotiations where one party wants to set a hard boundary.

Yardım etmemiz söz konusu ise, biz her zaman buradayız.
(If helping is what's being discussed, we are always here.)

Whether in a high-stakes political debate or a heated family argument, söz konusu is the phrase that defines the boundaries of the conversation.

The most common mistake learners make with söz konusu is treating it like a standard adjective that can be inflected easily. Remember, it is a compound phrase that usually remains frozen in its form.

Mistake 1: Over-inflecting: Learners often try to say 'söz konususu' or 'söz konuları'. This is incorrect. The phrase acts as a unit. If you need to make it plural, you pluralize the noun it modifies: 'Söz konusu olaylar' (The events in question).

Söz konuları kitaplar masada.
Söz konusu kitaplar masada.
(The books in question are on the table.)

Another frequent error is confusing söz konusu with hakkında (about). While they are related, they are not interchangeable. 'Hakkında' is a postposition, whereas 'söz konusu' is an adjective phrase. You say 'Kitap hakkında konuştuk' (We talked about the book), but 'Kitap söz konusu olduğunda...' (When the book is at issue...).

A subtle mistake occurs in the word order. In Turkish, the adjective typically comes before the noun. Some learners, influenced by English ('the matter in question'), might try to put 'söz konusu' after the noun without the necessary 'olan'.
Incorrect: Mesele söz konusu...
Correct: Söz konusu mesele... or Mesele söz konusu olduğunda...

Mistake 2: Using it for 'Impossible' incorrectly: While 'Söz konusu değil' means 'out of the question', it shouldn't be used for physical impossibility (like 'It's impossible to breathe underwater'). It is for situational or social impossibility (like 'It's out of the question for me to go to that party').

Finally, ensure you don't confuse it with mevzu (subject). 'Mevzu' is a noun; 'söz konusu' is the status of that noun being discussed.

Turkish has several ways to refer to things previously mentioned or under discussion. Choosing the right one depends on the level of formality and the specific nuance you want to convey.

Mevzubahis: This is the older, Ottoman-Turkish equivalent of 'söz konusu'. It is extremely formal and often used in historical texts or by older generations to sound more sophisticated. 'Mevzubahis vatan ise gerisi teferruattır' (If the homeland is the matter in question, the rest is detail) is a very famous quote by Atatürk.
Bahsi Geçen: Literally 'the mention of which has passed'. It is used specifically for something that was mentioned earlier in the text or conversation. It is slightly more 'referential' than 'söz konusu'.

Bahsi geçen raporu henüz okumadım.
(I haven't read the aforementioned report yet.)

While söz konusu focuses on the fact that the item is currently 'on the table', bahsi geçen focuses on the fact that it was 'already talked about'.

İlgili: Meaning 'related' or 'relevant'. This is a broader term. You might use 'ilgili kişiler' (the relevant people) to refer to those involved in a situation, whereas 'söz konusu kişiler' would specifically mean 'the people we are talking about right now'.
Sözü Edilen: A more literal synonym for 'mentioned'. It is very neutral and can be used in almost any context.

In a legal contract, you might see 'mevzu bahis', in a news report 'söz konusu', and in a casual chat 'hani o konuştuğumuz şey var ya' (you know that thing we talked about). Understanding these registers helps you sound more native.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

'Konu' was a word created during the Language Revolution in Turkey to replace the Arabic 'mevzu'. 'Söz konusu' is a relatively modern replacement for 'mevzubahis'.

Pronunciation Guide

UK sœz ko-nu-su

US sœz ko-nu-su

The stress is generally on the last syllable of each word: söz kon-u-SU.

Rhymes With

Özü Gözü Yüzü Dizi Sizi Bizi Yazı Sözü

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'söz' like 'soz' (rhyming with 'nose').
Making the 'u' sounds too long like 'oo' in 'food'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

Common in texts, easy to recognize.

Writing 4/5

Requires knowledge of word order and 'olan' usage.

Speaking 4/5

Requires confidence to use in formal contexts.

Listening 3/5

Heard frequently in news and formal speech.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

Söz Konu Hakkında Değil

Learn Next

Mevzubahis Bahsi geçen İlişkin Dair

Advanced

Ontolojik Paradigma İzdüşüm

Grammar to Know

Noun Clauses with -olan

Söz konusu olan paradır.

Conditional sentences with -ise

Eğitim söz konusu ise masraftan kaçınılmaz.

Adverbial clauses with -olduğunda

Başarı söz konusu olduğunda herkes oradaydı.

Negation with değil

İptal söz konusu değil.

Passive voice with edilmek

Bu konu dün söz konusu edildi.

Examples by Level

Söz konusu kitap masada.

The book in question is on the table.

Basic adjective usage before a noun.

Söz konusu olan nedir?

What is the thing being discussed?

Using 'olan' to turn the phrase into a subject.

Söz konusu para değil.

It is not about money.

Negative usage with 'değil'.

Söz konusu öğrenci burada.

The student in question is here.

Identifying a specific person.

Söz konusu yer çok uzak.

The place in question is very far.

Describing a specific location.

Söz konusu film güzel mi?

Is the movie in question good?

Asking a question about a specific topic.

Söz konusu ev satıldı.

The house in question has been sold.

Simple past tense with the phrase.

Söz konusu olan sensin.

It is you who is being talked about.

Using a pronoun as the predicate.

Bu durum söz konusu değil.

This situation is out of the question.

Common idiomatic use for impossibility.

Söz konusu hatayı kim yaptı?

Who made the mistake in question?

Using the phrase to pinpoint a specific event.

Söz konusu toplantı iptal edildi.

The meeting in question was cancelled.

Passive voice usage.

Söz konusu olan sadece bir oyun.

What is at issue is just a game.

Downplaying importance using 'sadece'.

Söz konusu arabayı gördün mü?

Did you see the car in question?

Direct object in a question.

Söz konusu proje çok başarılı.

The project in question is very successful.

Positive attribution.

Söz konusu yemek çok acıydı.

The meal in question was very spicy.

Past tense description.

Söz konusu olan bizim sağlığımız.

What is at stake is our health.

Emphasizing the subject's importance.

Başarı söz konusu olduğunda durmak yok.

When success is in question, there is no stopping.

Using 'olduğunda' (when it is...).

Söz konusu iddialar gerçeği yansıtmıyor.

The allegations in question do not reflect the truth.

More formal vocabulary (iddia, yansıtmak).

Söz konusu şirketin büyük borçları var.

The company in question has large debts.

Genitive construction (şirketin borçları).

Tatil söz konusu olunca herkes seviniyor.

When vacation is the topic, everyone is happy.

Using 'olunca' (once it becomes...).

Söz konusu olan senin mutluluğun ise gerisi önemli değil.

If your happiness is what's at stake, the rest doesn't matter.

Conditional 'ise' used for emphasis.

Söz konusu olan meseleyi henüz çözmedik.

We haven't solved the issue in question yet.

Formal noun 'mesele'.

Söz konusu raporun detayları gizli tutuluyor.

The details of the report in question are being kept secret.

Passive and formal register.

Söz konusu olan tehlikeyi herkes biliyor.

Everyone knows the danger in question.

Definite object 'tehlikeyi'.

Eğitim reformu söz konusu olduğunda görüş ayrılıkları çıkıyor.

When education reform is under consideration, differences of opinion arise.

Complex noun phrase 'Eğitim reformu'.

Söz konusu olan sadece bir bütçe meselesi değil.

It is not just a matter of budget.

Negation of a complex concept.

Söz konusu yasa tasarısı mecliste kabul edildi.

The bill in question was accepted in parliament.

Political/legal terminology.

Şirketin geleceği söz konusu ise her türlü fedakarlığı yaparız.

If the company's future is at stake, we will make every sacrifice.

Conditional 'ise' with a noun clause.

Söz konusu olan insan hayatıysa ekonomi ikinci planda kalır.

If human life is what's at stake, the economy stays in the background.

High-level ethical discussion structure.

Söz konusu olan olayların arkasındaki gerçeği araştırıyoruz.

We are investigating the truth behind the events in question.

Plural 'olayların' with 'söz konusu'.

Söz konusu olan bu değişim süreci sancılı olabilir.

This change process in question can be painful.

Abstract noun 'değişim süreci'.

Söz konusu olan haklarımızı sonuna kadar savunacağız.

We will defend our rights in question to the end.

Future tense with strong intent.

Söz konusu olan bu paradigmatik kayma, sosyolojide yeni bir çığır açtı.

The paradigmatic shift in question opened a new era in sociology.

Academic/Scientific register.

Söz konusu olan davanın hukuki dayanakları oldukça zayıf.

The legal grounds of the lawsuit in question are quite weak.

Legal terminology (dava, hukuki dayanak).

Burada söz konusu olan, bireyin toplum içindeki ontolojik konumudur.

What is at issue here is the individual's ontological position within society.

Philosophical register.

Söz konusu olan bu kriz, küresel piyasaları derinden sarstı.

The crisis in question deeply shook global markets.

Economic/Formal discourse.

Söz konusu olan sanat eserinin özgünlüğü tartışılmaktadır.

The authenticity of the artwork in question is being discussed.

Passive and formal 'tartışılmaktadır'.

Söz konusu olan bu anlaşmazlığın diplomatik yollarla çözülmesi bekleniyor.

It is expected that the dispute in question will be resolved through diplomatic means.

Complex passive structure.

Söz konusu olan bu teori, ampirik verilerle desteklenmiyor.

The theory in question is not supported by empirical data.

Scientific/Academic register.

Söz konusu olan bu stratejik hamle, savaşın seyrini değiştirdi.

The strategic move in question changed the course of the war.

Historical/Military context.

Söz konusu olan bu ontolojik muğlaklık, metnin yorumlanmasını güçleştiriyor.

The ontological ambiguity in question complicates the interpretation of the text.

Extremely advanced philosophical vocabulary.

Mevzubahis olan vatanın bekası ise, tüm siyasi ihtilaflar bir kenara bırakılmalıdır.

If the survival of the homeland is at stake, all political conflicts must be set aside.

Use of archaic 'mevzubahis' for high rhetorical effect.

Söz konusu olan bu yapısal dönüşümün sosyo-ekonomik izdüşümleri henüz tam olarak kavranamamıştır.

The socio-economic projections of the structural transformation in question have not yet been fully grasped.

Highly technical academic Turkish.

Burada söz konusu olan, etik bir ikilemin ötesinde, varoluşsal bir krizdir.

What is at stake here, beyond an ethical dilemma, is an existential crisis.

Nuanced philosophical distinction.

Söz konusu olan bu idari tasarrufun iptali için Danıştay'a başvuruldu.

An application was made to the Council of State for the cancellation of the administrative action in question.

High-level legal/administrative jargon.

Söz konusu olan bu edebi akımın kökenleri, 19. yüzyıl romantizmine dayanmaktadır.

The origins of the literary movement in question are based on 19th-century romanticism.

Literary history register.

Söz konusu olan bu jeopolitik gerginlik, enerji arz güvenliğini tehdit etmektedir.

The geopolitical tension in question threatens the security of energy supply.

International relations terminology.

Söz konusu olan bu epistemolojik kırılma, bilim tarihindeki en önemli dönüm noktalarından biridir.

The epistemological break in question is one of the most important turning points in the history of science.

History of science/Philosophy register.

Synonyms

Mevzubahis Bahsi geçen Sözü edilen İlgili Adı geçen Sözü geçen Bahis konusu Söz konusu olan

Antonyms

Alakasız Konu dışı Söz konusu olmayan İlgisiz

Common Collocations

Söz konusu olmak

Söz konusu değil

Söz konusu olan

Söz konusu bile değil

Söz konusu edilmek

Söz konusu ise

Söz konusu durum

Söz konusu kişi

Söz konusu olay

Söz konusu miktar

Common Phrases

Söz konusu bile olamaz

— It is absolutely impossible or out of the question.

Hata yapmamız söz konusu bile olamaz.

Söz konusu olduğunda

— When it comes to... / In the event of...

Yemek söz konusu olduğunda çok seçicidir.

Söz konusu olan şudur ki

— The point in question is that...

Söz konusu olan şudur ki, zamanımız azalıyor.

Söz konusu dahi değil

— Even more emphatic version of 'not even a subject'.

Onunla gitmem söz konusu dahi değil.

Söz konusu edilen hususlar

— The points being discussed.

Söz konusu edilen hususlar çok önemli.

Söz konusu olan hayatsa

— If life is at stake (often used in dramatic contexts).

Söz konusu olan hayatsa, her şey durur.

Söz konusu olan mesele

— The matter at hand.

Söz konusu olan mesele çok derin.

Söz konusu olan kişi

— The person in question.

Söz konusu olan kişi benim kardeşim.

Söz konusu olan yer

— The place in question.

Söz konusu olan yer burası değil.

Söz konusu olan para

— The money in question.

Söz konusu olan para çok büyük.

Often Confused With

söz konusu vs Bahsedilen

Means 'mentioned'. 'Söz konusu' implies it is actively being discussed now.

söz konusu vs İlgili

Means 'related'. 'Söz konusu' is more specific to the topic at hand.

söz konusu vs Hakkında

A postposition meaning 'about'. Cannot be used as an adjective like 'söz konusu'.

Idioms & Expressions

"Söz konusu vatansa gerisi teferruattır"

— If the homeland is at stake, everything else is a detail.

Atatürk'ün ünlü sözü: Söz konusu vatansa gerisi teferruattır.

Patriotic/Formal

"Söz konusu bile değil"

— Absolutely out of the question.

Onun buraya gelmesi söz konusu bile değil.

Informal/Daily

"Mevzubahis bile olamaz"

— Highly formal version of 'out of the question'.

Bu teklif mevzubahis bile olamaz.

Very Formal

"Söz konusu olan cansa"

— If it's a matter of life or death.

Söz konusu olan cansa, para önemli değildir.

Emotional

"Söz konusu etmek"

— To bring something up for discussion.

Bu konuyu artık söz konusu etmeyelim.

Neutral

"Söz konusu edilmek"

— To be brought up as a topic.

Toplantıda maaşlar söz konusu edildi.

Formal

"Söz konusu olan biziz"

— It's us we're talking about.

Söz konusu olan biziz, yabancılar değil.

Personal

"Söz konusu olan gelecekse"

— If the future is at stake.

Söz konusu olan gelecekse, bugün çalışmalıyız.

Rhetorical

"Söz konusu olan her neyse"

— Whatever is at issue.

Söz konusu olan her neyse, çözmeliyiz.

Neutral

"Söz konusu olan sadece"

— It's only about...

Söz konusu olan sadece küçük bir hata.

Neutral

Easily Confused

söz konusu vs Mevzu

Both relate to 'subject'.

'Mevzu' is the noun (the subject itself). 'Söz konusu' is the status of being discussed.

Mevzu derin, ama söz konusu olan biziz.

söz konusu vs Bahis

Both relate to 'topic'.

'Bahis' often implies a bet or a specific mention.

Bahisleri açalım, söz konusu olan yarıştır.

söz konusu vs Mesele

Both relate to 'issue'.

'Mesele' is a problem or matter. 'Söz konusu' is the specific one being looked at.

Mesele çok büyük, söz konusu olan ise çözüm.

söz konusu vs Konu

'Konu' is part of the phrase.

'Konu' is just the topic. 'Söz konusu' means 'the topic in question'.

Konumuz ekonomi, söz konusu olan ise enflasyon.

söz konusu vs İlişkin

Both used in formal contexts.

'İlişkin' means 'regarding' and follows a noun in the dative case (-e ilişkin).

Söz konusu rapora ilişkin sorularım var.

Sentence Patterns

Söz konusu [Noun]

Söz konusu kitap.

[Noun] söz konusu değil.

Hata söz konusu değil.

[Noun] söz konusu olduğunda...

Para söz konusu olduğunda...

Söz konusu olan [Noun]...

Söz konusu olan sağlıktır.

Söz konusu olan [Noun] ise...

Söz konusu olan vatan ise...

Söz konusu [Noun] + [Verb]

Söz konusu rapor incelendi.

Söz konusu edilmek

Mesele söz konusu edildi.

Mevzubahis [Noun]

Mevzubahis mesele halloldu.

Word Family

Nouns

Söz (Word)

Konu (Subject)

Konuşma (Speech)

Verbs

Konuşmak (To speak)

Sözleşmek (To agree)

Adjectives

Sözlü (Oral)

Konulu (Themed)

Bahis (Topic)

Mevzu (Matter)

Mesele (Issue)

İlgili (Related)

İlişkin (Regarding)

How to Use It

frequency

Very high in written media; high in formal speech.

Common Mistakes

Söz konuları kitaplar → Söz konusu kitaplar
The phrase 'söz konusu' is an invariable compound adjective. It does not take plural suffixes.
Kitap söz konusu hakkında konuştuk. → Söz konusu kitap hakkında konuştuk.
'Söz konusu' acts as an adjective before the noun. You cannot use it as a substitute for the noun itself in this way.
Gitmem söz konusu. → Gitmem söz konusu değil. (or) Gitmem mümkün değil.
In Turkish, 'söz konusu' alone often implies 'is being discussed', but if you mean 'out of the question', you MUST add 'değil'.
Söz konusu olan para mu? → Para söz konusu mu?
When asking a question about a noun's status, put the noun first.
Mesele söz konusu. → Söz konusu mesele.
Adjectives come before nouns in Turkish.

Tips

Don't pluralize it

Never say 'söz konuları'. Keep it as 'söz konusu' regardless of the noun's number.

Use for emphasis

Start sentences with 'Söz konusu olan...' to make your point sound more important.

Learn the negative

'Söz konusu değil' is one of the most useful ways to say 'impossible' professionally.

Listen for news

Watch Turkish news to hear this phrase used in its most natural, formal environment.

Business use

In meetings, use it to bring people back to the main topic: 'Söz konusu olan bütçe, arkadaşlar.'

Atatürk's Quote

Remember the 'Mevzubahis vatan ise...' quote; it's a huge part of Turkish cultural identity.

Link your ideas

Use it to refer back to a previous paragraph's topic to keep your writing cohesive.

Crisp vowels

Ensure the 'u' sounds in 'konusu' are short and distinct.

Formal vs Informal

Switch to 'bahsedilen' in very casual settings if 'söz konusu' feels too heavy.

The 'Olan' trick

If you are confused, just use 'Söz konusu [Noun]'—it works 90% of the time.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Söz' as 'Speech' and 'Konu' as 'Context'. So 'Söz Konusu' is the 'Speech Context' or 'What we are currently talking about'.

Visual Association

Imagine a spotlight shining on a specific object in a dark room. That object is 'söz konusu'.

Word Web

Söz Konu Bahis Mevzu Mesele İlgili Tartışılan Gündem

Challenge

Try to use 'söz konusu' in three different ways: as a pointer (The book...), as a negative (It's out of the question), and as an emphasis (What's at stake is...).

Word Origin

A compound of 'Söz' (Old Turkic 'söz') and 'Konu' (Modern Turkish, derived from 'konmak').

Original meaning: Literally 'the subject of the word'.

Turkic.

Cultural Context

Generally neutral, but 'Söz konusu değil' can be very blunt if said to a superior.

Equivalent to 'in question' or 'at hand'.

Atatürk's 'Mevzubahis' quote (often modernized to 'Söz konusu'). Turkish news headlines often start with 'Söz konusu...'

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Business Meetings

Söz konusu olan bütçe...
Zam söz konusu mu?
İstifalar söz konusu değil.

Legal Documents

Söz konusu suç...
Söz konusu mülk...
Söz konusu taraflar...

Daily Arguments

Söz konusu bile değil!
Söz konusu olan sensin.
Konuşmamız söz konusu.

Academic Writing

Söz konusu teori...
Söz konusu veriler...
Söz konusu çalışma...

News Broadcasts

Söz konusu kriz...
Söz konusu anlaşma...
Söz konusu saldırı...

Conversation Starters

"Söz konusu tatil olunca nereye gitmek istersin?"

"Söz konusu olan senin geleceğinse ne yaparsın?"

"Söz konusu olan paradır diyenlere katılıyor musun?"

"Söz konusu olan dürüstlükse taviz verir misin?"

"Söz konusu olan yeni bir işse heyecanlanır mısın?"

Journal Prompts

Söz konusu olan benim hayallerim olduğunda asla vazgeçmem çünkü...

Hayatımda söz konusu bile olamayacak şeyler şunlardır...

Söz konusu olan ailem olduğunda kendimi nasıl hissederim?

Söz konusu olan bir hata yaptığımda nasıl davranırım?

Söz konusu olan gelecek planlarım nelerdir?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Yes, 'söz konusu kişi' means 'the person in question'. It is very common in legal and investigative contexts.

Not exactly. 'Hakkında' means 'about'. 'Söz konusu' means 'in question' or 'at issue'.

Yes, but mostly in very formal, legal, or historical contexts. 'Söz konusu' is the modern standard.

Use 'söz konusu değil' or 'söz konusu bile değil' for more emphasis.

The phrase itself doesn't change, but the noun it modifies does. Example: 'Söz konusu kitaplar'.

Yes, usually as 'Söz konusu olan...' followed by the subject.

It ranges from neutral to very formal. It is rarely used in very casual slang except for the phrase 'söz konusu değil'.

'Bahsi geçen' refers to something mentioned before. 'Söz konusu' refers to something currently being discussed or at stake.

Yes, it means 'Is it under consideration?' or 'Is it the case?'

You can use it with 'olmak' (to be) or 'edilmek' (to be made). Example: 'Hata söz konusu oldu'.