aptalsın
/aptalsɯn/from spelling rules
The English phrase "you're dumb" is translated into Turkish as aptalsın.
The term aptal can be used as an adjective meaning "stupid" or as a noun meaning "a fool", depending on the context. You can also use the informal term salak to refer to someone as a dummy or a fool, or the phrase Aptal Gibisin among friends in a playful way.
Which one should you use?
While aptal is a direct way to call someone dumb, the term Gerizekalı is a more offensive and derogatory way to say "Idiot".
How does it change in a sentence?
To say "you are dumb" to more than one person or to use a more formal or polite tone, use the form aptalsınız.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is /aptalsɯn/. The sounds are similar to [p]an, [s]end, [n]ot and the vowel /ɯ/ is somewhat like the sound in ribb[o]n.
Did you know?
- In Turkish, the insult gerizekalı literally translates to 'behind the intelligence', suggesting that one's intellect is located somewhere behind the intended spot.
- In Turkish cinema and soap operas, the word salak is frequently used as a 'soft' insult that signals a romantic tension between two characters who are pretending to dislike each other.
- Using the plural or formal aptalsınız to insult someone creates a jarring 'politeness paradox' that can actually make the insult feel more biting and sarcastic.
Examples in context
- Sanırım sen aptalsın.I think you're dumb.Tatoeba #4052022 by duran, translation #2799083 by CK
- Aptal GibisinYou're like a fool
- Gerçekten aptalsın.You are really dumb.
- Bunu yapamayacak kadar aptalsın.You are too dumb to do this.
Example conversation
Elif and Can are arguing about a simple mistake.
- ElifBu kadar basit bir şeyi nasıl anlamazsın?How can you not understand something this simple?
- CanBeni suçlama, sadece dikkatsizdim.Don't blame me, I was just careless.
- ElifHayır, sen sadece aptalsın.No, you are just dumb.
- CanTamam, haklısın, özür dilerim.Okay, you're right, I'm sorry.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Turkish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
