Turkish has a simple and efficient way of expressing sequential actions translating to “and then”: the suffix -ıp, -ip, -up, -üp. This suffix allows speakers to link two or more verbs in a sentence, indicating that actions happen one after another. Let’s dive into the usage of this suffix in Turkish!
Table of Contents
How to Form Sequential Actions With the -ıp Suffix
The -ıp, -ip, -up, -üp suffix attaches to the stem of the first verb in a sequence and replaces the need for a conjunction like “and” or “and then.” It makes speech and writing more fluid and natural. The choice of the vowel in the suffix depends on vowel harmony:
Last Vowel of the Verb Stem | Suffix |
---|---|
a, ı | -ıp |
e, i | -ip |
o, u | -up |
ö, ü | -üp |
Beware: The verb with the -ıp suffix takes no personal endings; only the final verb in the sequence carries the tense, negation, and person markers.
Examples of Sequential Actions
Let’s examine some examples to understand how the -ıp, -ip, -up, -üp suffixes work in different contexts.
1. Basic Usage
Full Sentence | Literal Meaning | Natural Translation |
Kahvaltı yapıp okula gittim. | I did breakfast and went to school. | I had breakfast and went to school. |
Kitabı okuyup yerine koydu. | He read the book and put it back. | He read the book and put it back. |
Kapıyı açıp içeri girdik. | We opened the door and entered. | We opened the door and went inside. |
2. Different Tenses
While the verb with -ıp does not take a tense suffix, the main verb determines the tense:
Sentence | Meaning |
Markete gidip ekmek alacağım. | I will go to the market and buy bread. |
Yemeğini bitirip televizyon izledi. | He finished his meal and watched TV. |
Arabayı yıkayıp içeri girdim. | I washed the car and went inside. |
3. Negative Form
To express negation, the suffix is attached to the negative stem:
Sentence | Meaning |
Kahvaltı yapmayıp hemen dışarı çıktı. | He didn’t have breakfast and went out immediately. |
Ders çalışmayıp oyun oynadılar. | They didn’t study and played games. |
Teşekkür etmeyip ayrıldı. | He left without thanking. |
4. With Multiple Verbs
You can chain more than two actions together using the -ıp suffix multiple times:
Sentence | Meaning |
Elbiselerini giyip çantasını alıp dışarı çıktı. | He put on his clothes, took his bag, and went out. |
Telefonu kapatıp uyuyup sabah erken kalktı. | He turned off the phone, slept, and woke up early in the morning. |
Conclusion & Common Mistakes
The -ıp, -ip, -up, -üp suffix is an efficient way to connect actions in Turkish. It helps express sequential actions naturally and concisely. Remember:
- Choose the correct vowel based on vowel harmony.
- Apply tense, person, and negation only to the final verb.
- Use the negative stem for negation.
Common mistakes:
- Using personal endings on the -ıp verb
- ❌ Kitabı okuyupum yerine koydum.
- ✅ Kitabı okuyup yerine koydum.
- Forgetting vowel harmony
- ❌ Arabayı yıkıp içeri girdim.
- ✅ Arabayı yıkayıp içeri girdim.
- Applying tense to the first verb
- ❌ Markete gideceğim ip ekmek alacağım.
- ✅ Markete gidip ekmek alacağım.
By practicing this structure, you will make your Turkish sound more fluid and natural, just like a native! To further develop your skills in Turkish, discover the diminutive cases in Turkish (küçültme ekleri) to express smallness and compassion.