Learn Hardcore Turkish: Şöyle konuşalım: önce sen, sonra ben. - Let's talk like this: first you, then me.

Şöyle means in this manner/like this and is commonly used to propose a plan or structure. Şöyle konuşalım signals I’m about to outline how we’ll talk. It’s stronger than just konuşalım because it introduces a specific way to proceed.

What grammatical form is konuşalım?

It’s the first-person plural optative (often called the let’s form): verb stem konuş- + -alım. It means let’s talk. Negative is konuşmayalım (let’s not talk). As a yes–no question to soften it, use konuşalım mı?

Why is there a colon after Şöyle konuşalım?

The colon introduces the plan/details that follow. After stating let’s do it this way, the part after the colon explains the way: önce sen, sonra ben.

Why are sen and ben stated explicitly?

Turkish normally drops subject pronouns, but they’re used here for contrast and clarity: you first, then me. Without them, the sequence would be unclear; with them, the order is emphasized.

Could I expand the ellipsis and include verbs after sen and ben?

Yes. Natural options include:

Önce sen konuş, sonra ben konuşayım. (You speak first, then let me speak.)
Önce sen konuş, sonra ben konuşurum. (You speak first, then I’ll speak.) The aorist here can sound like a plan or assurance in context.
Önce sen, sonra ben konuşacağım. is grammatical but heavier; the compact original is more idiomatic.

Why is it -alım and not -elim in konuşalım?

Two-way vowel harmony: after a back vowel (a, ı, o, u), use -alım; after a front vowel (e, i, ö, ü), use -elim. The last vowel in konuş- is u (back), so -alım is correct.

Can I say Şöyle yapalım instead of Şöyle konuşalım?

Yes. Şöyle yapalım (let’s do it like this) is a very common formula for proposing a plan, followed by the details: Şöyle yapalım: önce sen konuş, sonra ben. Using konuşalım focuses specifically on how to conduct the conversation.

How do önce and sonra work here?

Here they are adverbs meaning first and then/later. They can also function as postpositions with the ablative: gelmeden önce (before coming), toplantıdan sonra (after the meeting). In the sentence, they simply order turns.

Is the comma in önce sen, sonra ben necessary?

It’s standard and aids readability because each part is a short clause missing the verb. A semicolon would be acceptable for an extra-strong pause; omitting the comma is possible in casual writing but less clear.

What’s the difference between şöyle, böyle, and öyle?

böyle: like this (near the speaker/current way).
şöyle: like that in the way I’m about to propose or point out; often used to introduce a suggestion.
öyle: like that (far/previously mentioned). In proposals, şöyle is the go-to choice: introducing a method or plan.

How can I make this more polite or formal?

Use siz: Şöyle konuşalım: önce siz, sonra ben.
Add softeners: İsterseniz/uygunsa şöyle konuşalım: önce siz, sonra ben.
In very courteous speech when giving the floor: Önce siz buyurun, sonra ben.

How does this compare to Hadi konuşalım and Konuşalım mı?

Hadi konuşalım adds come on/let’s get started; it urges action.
Konuşalım mı? invites or seeks consent: shall we talk?
Şöyle konuşalım asserts a specific structure for the talk rather than just proposing to talk.

How would I say let’s not do it this way and suggest an alternative?

Use a negative plus a positive plan, e.g. Böyle konuşmayalım; şöyle konuşalım: önce sen, sonra ben. That rejects the current manner and proposes the new structure.

Any pronunciation tips for key words?

ş as in English sh.
ö like German ö or French eu in deux.
ı (dotless i) is a back unrounded vowel; think of a relaxed uh.
c in önce is like English j.
Word stress is typically on the last syllable: konuşaLIM.