Güçlü kal
/ɟyt͡ʃly kal/from spelling rules
The English phrase 'stay strong' is translated into Turkish as Güçlü kal.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the adjective güçlü (strong) and the imperative form of the verb kalmak (to stay/remain).
Which one should you use?
While Güçlü kal means 'stay strong' (implying maintaining a current state), Güçlü ol means 'be strong' (implying a command to become or act strong).
How does it change in a sentence?
To say 'stay strong' to more than one person or to someone you are addressing formally, you use the form Güçlü kalın. Additionally, the imperative Güçlü kal can be expanded to the more descriptive Güçlü kalmalısın to mean 'You must stay strong'.
How do you pronounce it?
The IPA is /ɟytʃly kal/. The sound /ɟ/ is like the 'g' in ar[g]ue, /tʃ/ is like the 'ch' in [ch]ange and /k/ is like the 'c' in [c]ore.
Did you know?
- In Turkish, the root güç can mean both 'strength' and 'difficulty'. This creates a linguistic paradox where the same word for 'power' is also used to describe a 'hard' or 'difficult' task.
- While Güçlü kal is a direct translation, Turks often use the phrase Sabret meaning 'be patient' to convey the same emotional support during a crisis.
- If you were to say Güçlü kal to a stranger or a boss, it might sound uncomfortably intimate or even rude because it uses the informal imperative.
Examples in context
- Yaşlı insanların güçlü kalması önemlidir.It is important for old people to stay strong.This sentence is useful for showing the importance of old people staying strong using the form Güçlü kal.Tatoeba #1933057 by duran, translation #326406 by CK
- Güçlü kal.Stay strong.This sentence is a direct use of the form Güçlü kal.Tatoeba #5697282 by duran, translation #5675587 by Hybrid
- İşinizde güçlü olun ve sonuçlara odaklanın.Be strong in your job and focus on the outcomes.
- Güçlü kal, arkandayız!Stay strong, we're behind you!
- Dayan sağlam ol, bu zor zamanlar geçecek.Endure, be firm, these difficult times will pass.
- Zor zamanlarda güçlü kalmaya çalış.Try to stay strong during difficult times.
Example conversation
Elif is comforting Burak after a difficult day at work.
- ElifBiliyorum çok yoruldun ama lütfen güçlü kal.I know you are very tired, but please stay strong.
- BurakTeşekkürler Elif, elimden geleni yapacağım.Thanks Elif, I will do my best.
- ElifSana inanıyorum, sen çok dayanıklısın.I believe in you, you are very resilient.
- BurakDesteğin benim için çok değerli.Your support is very precious to me.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Turkish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
