-maq/-mək

Infinitive Verbal Noun

Level 4

The -maq/-mək suffix creates the infinitive form of a verb. It functions as a verbal noun, allowing actions to act as subjects or objects in a sentence.

How It Works

The infinitive (məsdər), or 'long infinitive', is a fundamental verbal noun in Azerbaijani. It follows 2-way vowel harmony:

  • -maq: After back vowels (a, ı, o, u). Example: almaq (to buy).
  • -mək: After front vowels (e, ə, i, ö, ü). Example: görmək (to see).

Negation:
The negative infinitive is formed by adding the negation suffix -ma/-mə directly to the verb stem before the infinitive ending. Example: danışmaq (to speak) → danışmamaq (not to speak); gəlmək (to come) → gəlməmək (not to come).

Grammatical Functions:
1. Subject: It can be the subject of a sentence, especially with predicative words like lazımdır. Oxumaq lazımdır (Reading is necessary).
2. Possession: Unlike in some related languages, the Azerbaijani infinitive fully accepts possessive suffixes. When adding a vowel-starting suffix, q becomes ğ and k becomes y. Example: oxumağım (my reading), gəlməyin (your coming).
3. Case and Number: It can take all case endings and can even be pluralized using -lar/-lər to denote repeated actions (e.g., oxumaqlar).
4. Postpositions: The infinitive often pairs with postpositions to create adverbial meanings. For example, -maq üçün expresses purpose (işləmək üçün - in order to work), and it can be used with əvvəl/qabaq (getməkdən qabaq - before going).

Note on Terminology: This -maq/-mək form is often called the 'long infinitive' to distinguish it from the -ma/-mə 'short infinitive'.

Examples (4)

  1. Bakıda yaşamaq çox maraqlıdır.

    Living in Baku is very interesting.

    Word by Word: Baku-in to-live very interesting-is.

    Here, 'yaşamaq' (to live) acts as the subject of the sentence.

  2. Mən Azərbaycan dilini öyrənmək istəyirəm.

    I want to learn the Azerbaijani language.

    Word by Word: I Azerbaijan language-its-acc to-learn want-ing-am.

    The infinitive 'öyrənmək' is the object of the verb 'istəyirəm' (I want).

  3. Burada siqaret çəkmək qadağandır.

    Smoking here is forbidden.

    Word by Word: Here cigarette to-pull forbidden-is.

    In formal notices, the infinitive is used to name the prohibited action.

  4. O, çörək almağa getdi.

    He/she went to buy bread.

    Word by Word: He/she bread to-buy-dative went.

    Notice the 'q' changing to 'ğ' in 'almağa' when the dative case suffix is added.

Common Mistakes

  • Forgetting consonant gradation when adding case or possessive suffixes.

    Mən oxumaqa başlayıram.
    Mən oxumağa başlayıram.

    When a suffix starting with a vowel (like the dative -a or a possessive suffix) is added to the infinitive, the final 'q' must change to 'ğ' and 'k' must change to 'y'.

  • Using the wrong vowel harmony for the infinitive suffix.

    Görmaq istəyirəm.
    Görmək istəyirəm.

    The infinitive follows 2-way vowel harmony. Use -maq for back vowels and -mək for front vowels like 'ö'.

How It Connects

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-maq/-məkLevel 4Infinitive Verbal Noun

Learn This First

To understand the infinitive, you need to know basic vowel harmony to choose between -maq and -mək, and understand that this form acts as a noun (the name of an action) in a sentence.

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Patterns that build on this one.

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Words in This Pattern

-mək