Gönül

Gönül is a Turkish noun whose primary sense is “heart,” but in everyday use it refers to the inner life of a person—emotions, feelings, will, and sincerity—rather than the anatomical organ. It is commonly employed metaphorically to describe affection, longing, trust, and spiritual or moral temperament. In Turkish, many idioms involve gönül, such as gönül almak (to win someone’s favor), gönül kırmak (to hurt someone’s feelings), gönül koymak (to take offense), gönül bağı (a deep emotional bond), gönül vermek (to devote one’s heart), and gönül rahatlığı (peace of mind).

Etymology and usage notes: The term is borrowed from Persian, where gonul is used with a similar meaning. In Turkish and related Turkic languages, gönül remains distinct from kalp, the standard word for the anatomical heart, and tends to carry symbolic or emotional connotations. It also appears in Azerbaijani and other regional varieties with related meanings.

Cultural and literary significance: In Turkish literature, poetry, and music, gönül is a common motif representing love, longing, and the inner life. In Sufi and devotional traditions, the gönül is often described as the seat of the soul and divine love, aligning human feeling with spiritual insight.

Name usage: Gönül is also a feminine given name in Turkish, reflecting qualities associated with the heart, tenderness, and sensibility. The term appears frequently in poetry and popular culture as a symbol of emotional depth.