Breakdown of Garson kebap getirdi. Afiyet olsun!
getirmek
to bring
garson
waiter
afiyet olsun
enjoy your meal
kebap
kebab
Questions & Answers about Garson kebap getirdi. Afiyet olsun!
Why is it kebap and not kebabı if the English translation says 'the kebab'?
In Turkish, a direct object only takes the accusative case ending (like -ı or -i) if it refers to a specific, previously mentioned thing. Here, kebap is used generally, like saying the waiter 'brought a kebab' or 'brought kebab'. English often uses 'the' naturally in a restaurant context, but Turkish keeps the plain form when the item isn't highly specific.
What is the dictionary form of getirdi and how is it built?
The infinitive verb is getirmek (to bring). To make the past tense for he/she/it, we take the root getir and add the past tense suffix -di. Because the subject is the third-person garson (waiter), no extra personal ending is needed at the end.
What does Afiyet olsun literally mean?
Literally, it means 'may it be health' or 'may there be well-being'. Afiyet means health or appetite, and olsun is the 'let it be' form of the verb olmak (to be). It is the standard way to say 'enjoy your meal' in Turkish.
When exactly do Turkish speakers say Afiyet olsun?
Unlike the English phrase 'enjoy your meal' which is mostly said before eating, Turkish speakers say Afiyet olsun before, during, and even after you finish eating. It is a very flexible phrase.