Ways to say it
| Turkish | IPA |
|---|---|
| debdebeli | /debdebeli/ (from spelling rules) |
| göz kamaştırıcı | /ɟøz kamaʃtɯɾɯd͡ʒɯ/ (from spelling rules) |
Both terms describe someone or something that is very beautiful, but they emphasize different qualities of that beauty.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase göz kamaştırıcı literally means 'eye-dazzling' or 'eye-blinding'. It is composed of göz, meaning 'eye' and kamaştırıcı, which refers to something that causes a dazzling or blurring effect.
Which one should you use?
While both can mean 'gorgeous', debdebeli often carries a connotation of being showy, pompous or ostentatious. In contrast, göz kamaştırıcı focuses on a radiant, dazzling beauty.
How does it change in a sentence?
As an adjective, göz kamaştırıcı does not change its form based on the gender or number of the noun it modifies.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation of debdebeli is /debdebeli/. The 'b' sound is like the 'b' in 'about' and the 'i' sound is like the 'ee' in 'creek'.
Did you know?
- To describe a person as gorgeous in a more poetic or romantic sense, Turks often use the word endamlı, which refers specifically to a graceful and beautiful posture.
- The term debdebeli evokes a sense of old-fashioned Ottoman splendor, often used when describing grand palaces or traditional ceremonies.
- While göz kamaştırıcı means 'dazzling', the word göz is used in dozens of Turkish idioms to describe emotions, such as gözü olmak to express greed or desire for something.
Examples in context
- O 22 yaşında göz kamaştırıcı bir kızdı.She was a gorgeous girl of 22.This sentence shows how to use göz kamaştırıcı to describe a person.Tatoeba #4757047 by deyta, translation #4513782 by Amastan
- Leyla göz kamaştırıcı başörtüleri satıyordu.Layla was selling gorgeous hijabs.This sentence demonstrates using göz kamaştırıcı to describe items for sale.Tatoeba #7337417 by deyta, translation #7334237 by OsoHombre
- Senin kesinlikle göz kamaştırıcı olduğunu düşünüyorum.I think you're absolutely gorgeous.This sentence illustrates how to use göz kamaştırıcı to give a direct compliment.Tatoeba #5412917 by deyta, translation #3727761 by CM
- O gözlükler sana gerçekten çok yakışmış. Muhteşem görünüyorsun!Those glasses really suit you. You look gorgeous!
- Bu elbise sadece harika görünüyor, aynı zamanda çok çekici de!This dress doesn't just look gorgeous, but also very appealing!
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Elif and Can are visiting a luxury hotel lobby.
- ElifBurası gerçekten çok debdebeli bir otel.This is truly a very gorgeous hotel.
- CanEvet, avizeler inanılmaz görünüyor.Yes, the chandeliers look incredible.
- ElifTüm dekorasyon çok debdebeli seçilmiş.All the decoration was chosen very gorgeously.
- CanKesinlikle, kendimi sarayda gibi hissediyorum.Absolutely, I feel like I'm in a palace.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “gorgeous” translations, 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.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
