-araq/-ərək
Manner Converb
The -araq/-ərək suffix creates a manner converb, describing how the main action is performed or an action that happens simultaneously.
How It Works
The -araq/-ərək converb (tərz bağ-feli) is used to link two actions where the first action describes the state, method, or reason for the main action.
1. Formation:
- -araq: Used after back vowels (a, ı, o, u). Example: baxmaq → baxaraq (looking).
- -ərək: Used after front vowels (e, ə, i, ö, ü). Example: gülmək → gülərək (smilingly).
- Buffer -y-: If the stem ends in a vowel, add -y- before the suffix. Example: oxumaq → oxuyaraq (reading).
2. Usage and Register:
This pattern is primarily used for manner (how something is done), causality (why something happened), and sequential actions (Action A happened, and then Action B happened). It is a hallmark of formal and written Azerbaijani, especially for linking sequential events. In daily conversation, speakers often prefer the sequential converb (-ıb).
3. Same Subject Rule:
A core grammatical constraint for Azerbaijani converbs is that the subject of the -araq/-ərək clause must be identical to the subject of the main verb. For example, O, musiqiyə qulaq asaraq işləyir (He works while listening to music).
4. The Concessive 'Baxmayaraq':
A very important fixed usage is baxmayaraq (the negative manner converb of baxmaq - to look). It functions as a postposition meaning 'despite' or 'regardless of' and usually takes the dative case. Example: Soyuğa baxmayaraq (Despite the cold). Additionally, baxmayaraq ki acts as a conjunction meaning 'although' or 'even though' and is followed by a full clause. Example: Baxmayaraq ki, yağış yağırdı, biz getdik (Even though it was raining, we went).
5. Causal Function:
Beyond just manner, this suffix can indicate the reason for the main verb. For example, yorularaq (because of being tired) or gecikərək (because of being late).
6. Negation:
The negative form is -mayaraq / -məyərək, meaning 'not doing' or 'without doing'. However, for 'without', the -madan/-mədən form is more common in casual speech.
Examples (6)
- Uşaq ağlayaraq anasına tərəf qaçdı.
The child ran toward his mother crying.
Word by Word: Child crying to-his-mother toward ran.
Here, 'ağlayaraq' describes the state/manner of the child while running.
- O, gülərək cavab verdi.
He answered smilingly.
Word by Word: He smilingly answer gave.
The suffix -ərək turns the verb 'gülmək' (to laugh/smile) into an adverbial form describing the manner of answering.
- Yağışa baxmayaraq, biz gəzintiyə çıxdıq.
Despite the rain, we went for a walk.
Word by Word: To-the-rain not-looking, we to-walk went-out.
'Baxmayaraq' is a fixed use of the negative manner converb meaning 'despite' or 'regardless of'.
- Kitabı diqqətlə oxuyaraq qeydlər apardı.
He took notes by reading the book carefully.
Word by Word: Book-acc carefully reading notes he-took.
This shows the method (reading) used to complete the main action (taking notes).
- Gecikərək üzr istədi.
He apologized because he was late.
Word by Word: Being-late apology he-wanted.
In this context, the converb expresses the reason (causality) for the apology.
- Heç nə deməyərək otaqdan çıxdı.
He left the room without saying anything.
Word by Word: Nothing not-saying from-room he-left.
The negative form -məyərək indicates the manner in which he left (in silence).
Common Mistakes
Adding personal endings to the converb.
Mən gülərəyəm gəldim.Mən gülərək gəldim.Converbs are non-finite verb forms. They do not take personal endings like -am/-əm. The person is determined by the main verb at the end of the sentence.
Confusing -araq with the future tense -acaq.
O, sabah gələrək.O, sabah gələcək.-araq is for manner, while -acaq/-əcək is for the definite future tense. They sound similar but have completely different functions.
How It Connects
Learn This First
To use the -araq/-ərək manner converb, learners need to be comfortable with Azerbaijani vowel harmony and the use of the buffer consonant -y- for vowel-ending stems. Since this pattern describes how an action is performed, a basic grasp of sentence structure is also essential.
- -y-Dative Buffer Consonant
When the verb stem ends in a vowel, the buffer consonant -y- is used before the suffix (e.g., gülümsə-y-ərək), which is the same phonological rule used in the dative case.
Level 2 - Basic SOV word order
Converbs function as adverbial modifiers within the sentence structure, so understanding basic word order is necessary to place the converb correctly before the main verb.
Level 1
Related Patterns
- -a-a/-ə-əRepeated Manner Converb
The reduplicated form (e.g., qaça-qaça) emphasizes continuous or repetitive duration, while -araq focuses on the method.
Level 3 - -madan/-mədənWithout Doing Converb
Both can mean 'without doing', but -madan is more common in daily speech for simple negation of an action.
Level 3 - -ıb/-ib/-ub/-üb (feli bağlama)Sequential Converb
In spoken Azerbaijani, the sequential converb is often preferred over -araq/-ərək to express manner or sequence of actions.
Level 3 - Vowel harmony in basic suffixes
This pattern follows two-way vowel harmony rules to determine whether to use -araq or -ərək.
Level 1 - ona baxmayaraqDespite That Connector
A specific application of the manner converb of 'baxmaq' (to look) used to mean 'despite' or 'regardless'.
Level 3 - nəzərə alaraqConsidering Clause with Nəzərə Alaraq
A common fixed expression using this pattern, meaning 'taking into account' or 'considering'.
Level 5
Learn Next
Patterns that build on this one.
- asılı olaraqDepending on PhraseLevel 5
- başda ... olmaqlaForemost Inclusion PhraseLevel 5
- daxil olmaqlaInclusion PhraseLevel 5
- deyə (sitat bağlayıcısı)Quotative Connector DeyəLevel 5
- istisna olmaqlaException PhraseLevel 5
- uyğun olaraqIn Accordance with PhraseLevel 5
- -ması ilə əlaqədar olaraqIn Connection with DoingLevel 6
- -ması nəzərə alınmaqlaTaking into Account NominalizationLevel 6
And 1 more in the full list.
Words in This Pattern
Practice -araq/-ərək in Bubblegum
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