-ar/-ər (qeyri-qəti gələcək)

Aorist for Uncertain Future

Level 3

The -ar/-ər suffix (Indefinite Future) describes actions that are likely but not guaranteed, habitual behaviors, or universal facts. It is softer and less certain than the definite future.

How It Works

The Indefinite Future Tense (Qeyri-qəti gələcək zaman) is formed by adding -ar or -ər to the verb stem based on vowel harmony.

1. Formation:

  • After back vowels (a, ı, o, u): -ar (e.g., yazar - he will probably write).
  • After front vowels (e, ə, i, ö, ü): -ər (e.g., gələr - he will probably come).
  • If the stem ends in a vowel, use the buffer -y-: oxuyar (he will probably read).
  • Consonant Change: For certain verbs ending in t, the t changes to d before this suffix (e.g., getmək → gedər, etmək → edər).

2. Usage:

  • Uncertainty: Often used with words like bəlkə (maybe) or yəqin (probably).
  • Habits/General Truths: Used for things that always happen, like proverbs or scientific facts.
  • Polite Requests: Softens a question to make it sound more like 'Would you...?' rather than a command.

3. Negation (Irregular):
The negative form is unique and involves two major changes:

  • Vowel Drop: The a/ə of the tense suffix is removed entirely. Only the -z remains (or -r in the 1st person).
  • Suffix Change: The -r changes to -z in most persons, but stays -r in the 1st person singular and plural.
  • Stress Shift: In the negative form, the stress shifts to the syllable immediately before the negation suffix (e.g., gə́lməz).

Examples of negation:

  • Gəlmərəm (I won't [probably] come)
  • Gəlməzsən (You won't [probably] come)
  • Gəlməz (He/she won't [probably] come)

Examples (5)

  1. Sabah bəlkə sizə gələrəm.

    Maybe I will come to [visit] you tomorrow.

    Word by Word: Tomorrow maybe to-you I-will-probably-come.

    The use of 'bəlkə' (maybe) combined with '-ar/-ər' emphasizes that the visit is not a fixed plan.

  2. O, bu işi tez qurtarar.

    He will probably finish this work soon.

    Word by Word: He this work quickly will-probably-finish.

    This expresses a prediction or an opinion about the future rather than a confirmed fact.

  3. Su yüz dərəcədə qaynar.

    Water boils at 100 degrees.

    Word by Word: Water hundred at-degree boils.

    Here, the suffix is used to express a general scientific truth (Aorist function).

  4. Mənə kömək edərsən?

    Would you help me?

    Word by Word: To-me help will-you-probably-do?

    Using the indefinite future makes the request sound more polite and less direct.

  5. Yalançının evi yanar, heç kəs ona inanmaz.

    If a liar's house burns, no one will believe him.

    Word by Word: Liar's house burns, no person to-him will-not-believe.

    A proverb showing both the positive (-ar) and negative (-maz) forms for general truths.

Common Mistakes

  • Using -r instead of -z in the 2nd and 3rd person negative forms.

    Sən gəlmərsən.
    Sən gəlməzsən.

    In Azerbaijani, the negative suffix for the indefinite future changes from -r to -z for all persons except the 1st person (mən/biz).

  • Using -ar/-ər for definite, scheduled plans.

    Qatar saat beşdə gələr.
    Qatar saat beşdə gələcək.

    If a train is scheduled to arrive at 5:00, use the definite future (-acaq). Using -ar makes it sound like a guess or a habit.

How It Connects

Tap a pattern to see what it builds on and what it leads to.

-ar/-ər (qeyri-qəti gələcək)Level 3Aorist for Uncertain Future

Learn This First

To understand the -ar/-ər indefinite future, you need to be familiar with basic vowel harmony for suffix selection and how personal endings are attached to verb stems. It is also helpful to understand the definite future tense to distinguish between certain and uncertain future actions.

Words in This Pattern

-ər-ar