What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the noun lanet (curse) and the verb olsun (let it be/may it be), literally meaning 'let there be a curse'.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
lanet olsun is considered a formal or standard way to express frustration. It is a relatively mild, non-vulgar way to show annoyance compared to actual profanity.
How does it change in a sentence?
lanet olsun functions as an impersonal exclamation and does not change its form based on the subject of the sentence.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is /lanet olsun/. The /n/ sounds like the [n] in 'not', the /s/ sounds like the [s] in 'send' and the /u/ sounds like the [oo] in 'cool'.
When do people say it?
In Turkish, you can also use Aman Allah'ım! to convey surprise, shock or frustration, similar to the English 'Oh my God!' Additionally, Kahretsin! is a common informal way to say 'curse it' or 'damn it', particularly in Istanbul and Western Turkey.
Did you know?
- The more intense alternative Kahretsin! has a vivid, visceral origin. It is derived from a verb meaning 'to turn into ash', suggesting the thing being cursed should be incinerated.
- The word lanet originates from an Arabic term referring to a divine anathema or the act of being cast out from the mercy of God.
- Turkish television often uses lanet olsun in dubbed foreign films as a safe substitute for English swear words that are too offensive for the public.
Examples in context
- Lanet olsun, ben yanılmışım.Damn, I was wrong.This example shows how to express frustration after making a mistake using lanet olsun.Tatoeba #4623184 by duran, translation #843923 by J_S
- Lanet olsun,Tom. Hayır dedim!Damn it, Tom. I said no!This example demonstrates using lanet olsun to express annoyance toward someone.Tatoeba #3070448 by duran, translation #2984433 by Hybrid
- Lanet olsun! Şifremi unuttum!Damn it! I forgot my password!This example shows how to use lanet olsun when expressing frustration over a forgotten password.Tatoeba #4860842 by deyta, translation #4657435 by Lazovic
- 8 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Mehmet and Elif are stuck in heavy traffic on their way to a meeting.
- MehmetLanet olsun, trafik hiç ilerlemiyor.Damn, the traffic is not moving at all.
- ElifHaklısın Mehmet, çok geç kaldık.You are right Mehmet, we are very late.
- MehmetBu yollar her zaman böyle.These roads are always like this.
- ElifKeşke daha erken çıksaydık.I wish we had left earlier.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry lanet olsun, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Turkish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries lanet, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
