-(n)ı/-(n)i/-(n)u/-(n)ü

Definite Accusative Case

Level 2

The definite accusative case is used when the direct object of a sentence is specific, known, or previously mentioned. It is the equivalent of using 'the' for objects in English, but it is also mandatory for names, pronouns, and possessed nouns.

How It Works

The definite accusative case (müəyyən təsirlik hal) answers the questions kimi? (whom?), nəyi? (what?), and haranı? (what place?).

1. Suffix Selection:
The suffix follows four-way vowel harmony:

  • -ı / -nı: after a, ı (e.g., kitabı, qapını)
  • -i / -ni: after e, ə, i (e.g., evi, pəncərəni)
  • -u / -nu: after o, u (e.g., dostu, arzunu)
  • -ü / -nü: after ö, ü (e.g., gülü, ütünü)

2. Buffer Consonants:
If the noun ends in a vowel, use the buffer -n- (e.g., alma-nı). There are two major exceptions: the word su (water) and the question word nə (what). These use the buffer -y-, becoming suyu and nəyi.

3. When is it Mandatory?
You must use this case if the object is:

  • A proper noun (names of people, cities, countries).
  • A personal pronoun (like məni, səni).
  • A demonstrative pronoun (like bunu).
  • A noun with a possessive suffix. Note that after a 3rd person possessive, you always use the buffer -n- before the case suffix (e.g., atası-nı, evləri-ni).
  • Separated from the verb: If any word (like an adverb or the subject) comes between the object and the verb, the object must take the definite accusative suffix.

4. Word Order:
Unlike indefinite objects which must stay right before the verb, definite objects can move around the sentence for emphasis.

Examples (6)

  1. Mən kitabı oxuyuram.

    I am reading the book.

    Word by Word: I book-the reading-am

    The suffix -ı indicates a specific book known to the speaker.

  2. Bakını çox sevirəm.

    I love Baku very much.

    Word by Word: Baku-acc very love-I

    Proper nouns like city names always take the definite accusative when they are the object.

  3. Pəncərəni bağla.

    Close the window.

    Word by Word: Window-the close

    Since the speaker is referring to a specific window, the suffix -ni is added (using the -n- buffer).

  4. Məni eşidirsən?

    Do you hear me?

    Word by Word: Me-acc hear-you?

    Personal pronouns always take the accusative case when they are the direct object.

  5. Bu almanı ye.

    Eat this apple.

    Word by Word: This apple-the eat

    The demonstrative 'bu' makes the apple specific, requiring the accusative suffix.

  6. Mən kitabı indi oxuyuram.

    I am reading the book now.

    Word by Word: I book-the now reading-am

    Because the word 'indi' (now) separates the object from the verb, the definite accusative case must be used even if the book wasn't previously specified.

Common Mistakes

  • Using the Turkish buffer '-y-' instead of the Azerbaijani '-n-'.

    Qapıyı aç.
    Qapını aç.

    In Azerbaijani, the buffer consonant for the accusative case is '-n-', not '-y-' (except for the word 'su').

  • Omitting the suffix for proper nouns.

    Mən Əli sevirəm.
    Mən Əlini sevirəm.

    Names of people are always specific and must take the accusative suffix when they are the object.

  • Using the accusative -nı where the possessive -sı is needed.

    Onun atanı gəldi.
    Onun atası gəldi.

    The subject 'his father' needs the possessive suffix: atası (-sı after a vowel). The accusative -nı marks an object and cannot appear on a subject.

How It Connects

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-(n)ı/-(n)i/-(n)u/-(n)üLevel 2Definite Accusative Case

Learn This First

To understand the definite accusative case, a learner needs to be familiar with Azerbaijani vowel harmony to correctly apply the four-way suffix. They also need to understand the basic nominative form of nouns and the standard SOV word order to identify which word functions as the direct object being marked.

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