Breakdown of Adamın nefesi kesilmekle kalmayıp gözleri karardı.
adam
man
kalmak
to stay / to be left / to remain (in a state)
göz
eye
nefes
breath
Questions & Answers about Adamın nefesi kesilmekle kalmayıp gözleri karardı.
How does the phrase kesilmekle kalmayıp translate to 'not merely cut short, but...'?
This structure is built using the infinitive kesilmek (to be cut) + -le (with) + kalmayıp (not remaining and). Literally, it translates to 'not remaining with being cut.' This -mAkla kalmayıp pattern is a standard formal way to express 'not only [verb] but also [verb]'. The -yıp suffix is what links it to the final action in the sentence.
What does nefesi kesilmek literally mean?
Literally, it means 'one's breath to be cut.' It is used when someone is physically out of breath or gasping, as in this sentence. It can also be used figuratively to mean being astonished or breathless, much like 'breathtaking' in English. Notice that it uses the passive verb kesilmek rather than the active kesmek.
Does the genitive Adamın apply to both halves of the sentence?
Yes! Adamın (the man's) acts as the possessor for both nefesi (his breath) in the first clause and gözleri (his eyes) in the second clause. Even though the literal subjects of the two verbs are 'breath' and 'eyes', the sentence flows naturally because they are tied together by that single possessor.
Is gözleri karardı a standard idiom in Turkish?
Yes, gözü kararmak (literally 'one's eye blackening') is a very common phrase. It can mean to physically feel faint, dizzy, or to black out, which fits the medical context here. Interestingly, it is also used to describe someone being blinded by anger or passion, causing them to act recklessly.