Eli Açık – Everyday Turkish Expression

Meaning:

In Turkish, eli açık literally means “open-handed” and is a figurative expression used as a synonym for cömert (generous), describing someone who is generous with money, gifts, or treats.

Usage:

• This expression is commonly applied to people who spend or give freely, especially in financial or social generosity, such as supporting those in need, paying for friends, giving gifts, or sharing food.

• Note that being eli açık doesn’t require great wealth and does not mean being savurgan (wasteful). Someone can be eli açık even if they are not rich, as long as they are willing to share.

Example sentences:

• Çok eli açık insanlar. İhtiyacı olanlara yardım etmekten asla geri durmazlar.

→ Very generous people. They never hesitate to help those in need.

• Rahmetli annem çok eli açıktı. Komşularımıza hep ikramda bulunurdu.

→ My late mother was very generous. She always gave treats to our neighbors.

Opposite Expression

The opposite of eli açık in Turkish is eli sıkı, literally “tight-handed,” used to describe someone who is reluctant to spend money. It is milder than cimri (stingy), which is harsher and more negative.

Example sentences:

• O biraz eli sıkıdır. Kimseye pek bir şey ısmarlamaz.

→ S/he is a bit tight-fisted. S/he rarely buys anything for anyone.

• Onlar eli sıkı. Eğlenceye para harcamazlar.

→ They are tight-fisted. They don’t spend money on entertainment.

For more practical expressions you can use in daily life, see our page on Everyday Turkish — and don’t forget to try the quick quiz at the end!