-(y)aq/-(y)ək
First-person Plural Hortative
The first-person plural hortative (-(y)aq/-(y)ək) is the standard way to say "Let's [do something]" in Azerbaijani. It is used when the speaker proposes an action for themselves and the listener(s) to do together.
How It Works
The hortative form is technically the first-person plural of the əmr şəkli (imperative mood). While it is grouped with commands, its function is almost always a suggestion or invitation.
1. Formation:
- If the verb stem ends in a consonant: Add -aq (after back vowels a, ı, o, u) or -ək (after front vowels e, ə, i, ö, ü).
- If the verb stem ends in a vowel: Add -yaq or -yək.
- Consonant change: The final -t changes to -d only in polysyllabic stems (e.g., yarat → yaradaq) and the specific monosyllabic verbs get (gedək) and et (edək). Other monosyllabic stems like at (ataq) or sat (sataq) do not change.
2. Negation:
To say "Let's not," add the negative suffix -ma/-mə before the hortative ending. Because the negative suffix ends in a vowel, you will always use the buffer 'y' (e.g., getməyək).
3. Usage:
It is often preceded by the word gəl (singular) or gəlin (plural/polite) to mean "Come, let's..."
Examples (5)
- Gedək.
Let's go.
Word by Word: Let-us-go.
The stem 'get' changes to 'ged-' before the vowel-starting suffix '-ək'.
- Gəlin, çay içək.
Come, let's drink tea.
Word by Word: Come, tea let-us-drink.
A common social invitation using the hortative form of 'içmək' (to drink).
- Bu kitabı oxuyaq.
Let's read this book.
Word by Word: This book let-us-read.
Since 'oxu' ends in a vowel, the buffer 'y' is inserted: oxu + y + aq.
- Gəl, bu gün işləməyək.
Come, let's not work today.
Word by Word: Come, this day let-us-not-work.
The negative form is created by adding -mə before the suffix.
- Pəncərəni açaq?
Shall we open the window?
Word by Word: Window-the shall-we-open?
In question form, this pattern functions as 'Shall we...?'
Common Mistakes
Forgetting the 'y' buffer after vowel stems.
Biz bunu oxuaq.Biz bunu oxuyaq.Azerbaijani does not allow two vowels to sit next to each other at a suffix boundary; a buffer 'y' must be used.
Choosing the aorist where 'let us' is meant.
Different MeaningGedərik!Gedək!'Gedərik!' is a good sentence meaning 'We will go' (often a promise or plan). Use 'Gedək!' to say 'Let's go.'
How It Connects
Learn This First
To understand the first-person plural hortative (let's...), you need to be familiar with Azerbaijani vowel harmony to correctly attach the -(y)aq or -(y)ək suffixes. You also need to recognize the vowel 'ə' and understand the concept of the first-person plural ('we') to grasp the meaning of the command.
- Vowel harmony in basic suffixes
The suffix -(y)aq/-(y)ək follows vowel harmony rules, requiring the learner to understand how to choose between 'a' and 'ə' based on the verb stem.
Level 1 - Ə/əThe Vowel Ə
The suffix uses the specific Azerbaijani vowel 'ə', which is essential for the correct pronunciation and spelling of the first-person plural hortative.
Level 1 - bizFirst Person Plural Pronoun
Since this pattern expresses 'let us', understanding the first-person plural pronoun 'biz' provides the necessary semantic context for the subject.
Level 1
Related Patterns
- Second-person singular imperative
This is the singular 'you' command, often used as 'Gəl' (Come) to introduce a 'Let's' suggestion.
Level 2 - -(y)ın/-(y)in/-(y)un/-(y)ünPlural or Polite Imperative
The plural 'you' command, often used as 'Gəlin' (Come) when inviting multiple people to do something together.
Level 2 - -ma/-mə (əmr inkarı)Negative Imperative
Used to form the negative hortative ('Let's not').
Level 2 - -ıq/-ik/-uq/-ük (indiki zaman)First Person Plural Present Ending
The first-person plural ending for the present tense, which learners sometimes confuse with the hortative.
Level 1
Learn Next
Patterns that build on this one.
Practice -(y)aq/-(y)ək in Bubblegum
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