Note
The main difference between "ayık tutmak" and "ayık kalmak" lies in the agent (the one performing the action) and the object (the one being affected).1. Ayık Kalmak (To Stay Sober / Stay Awake)
This refers to a person maintaining a state of sobriety or alertness through their own effort. The subject is the one who remains in that state.
Context: Used when talking about yourself or someone else's personal state.
Examples:
"I stayed awake (ayık kaldım) all night to study for the exam." "He has managed to stay sober (ayık kalmak) for three years."
2. Ayık Tutmak (To Keep Someone Sober / Keep Someone Awake)
This is the causative form. It refers to an external factor or another person causing someone to remain alert or sober.
Context: Used when an object (like coffee) or a person acts upon someone else.
Examples:
"This coffee is keeping me awake (ayık tutuyor)."
"Solving puzzles is a great way to keep your mind sharp/awake (zihni ayık tutmak)."