-ılmaq

Passive Infinitive

Level 4

The passive infinitive turns a verb into a 'being done' noun. It is formed by adding a passive suffix (-ıl/-il/-ul/-ül, -n, or -ın/-in/-un/-ün) before the infinitive marker -maq/-mək.

How It Works

The passive infinitive is a verbal noun that indicates the subject is the receiver of the action. Its formation follows strict phonological rules based on vowel harmony and the final sound of the verb stem:

  • Consonant Stems: Use the 4-way suffix -ıl, -il, -ul, -ül. For example, yazmaq (to write) becomes yazılmaq. Stems ending in 'n' also follow this rule (e.g., dönmək becomes dönülmək).
  • Vowel Stems: Generally use the suffix -n. For example, oxumaq (to read) becomes oxunmaq.
  • Monosyllabic Vowel Stems: Verbs like demək (to say) or yumaq (to wash) take a buffer 'y' and the consonant suffix, resulting in -yıl, -yil, -yul, -yül (e.g., deyilmək, yuyulmaq).
  • Stems ending in 'l': To avoid double 'l' sounds, these stems use -ın, -in, -un, -ün. For example, almaq (to take) becomes alınmaq. Note that this form is identical to the reflexive suffix, so alınmaq can mean 'to be taken' or 'to be offended' depending on context.

The passive infinitive is also used to form impersonal constructions where there is no grammatical subject, such as Burada siqaret çəkilməz (Smoking is not done here). To indicate the agent (the person performing the action) in a passive construction, use the postposition tərəfindən (by).

Examples (6)

  1. Bu kitab oxunmaq üçün hazırdır.

    This book is ready to be read.

    Word by Word: This book to-be-read for ready-is.

    The passive infinitive 'oxunmaq' (to be read) is formed by adding '-n' to the vowel-ending stem 'oxu-'.

  2. O, seçilmək istəyir.

    He wants to be chosen.

    Word by Word: He to-be-chosen wants.

    The passive infinitive 'seçilmək' is the object of the verb 'istəmək' (to want).

  3. Həqiqət hamı tərəfindən bilinmək lazımdır.

    The truth needs to be known by everyone.

    Word by Word: Truth everyone by to-be-known necessary-is.

    This shows the agent using 'tərəfindən' and the '-in' suffix used for stems ending in 'l' (bil-).

  4. Bu sözlər deyilmək üçün çox ağırdır.

    These words are too heavy to be said.

    Word by Word: These words to-be-said for very heavy-is.

    Demonstrates the exception for monosyllabic vowel stems like 'de-' (to say), which take '-yilmək'.

  5. O, tənqid edilməkdən qorxur.

    He is afraid of being criticized.

    Word by Word: He criticism being-done-from fears.

    Shows the passive infinitive in the ablative case (-dan/-dən) following the verb 'qorxmaq' (to fear).

  6. Geri dönülmək mümkün deyil.

    It is not possible to be returned (to go back).

    Word by Word: Back to-be-returned possible not-is.

    Stems ending in 'n' like 'dön-' follow the standard '-ül' rule to become 'dönülmək'.

Common Mistakes

  • Using the consonant-stem suffix on a vowel stem.

    Kitab oxuulmaq lazımdır.
    Kitab oxunmaq lazımdır.

    If a verb stem ends in a vowel (like 'oxu-'), you must use '-n' instead of '-ıl/-ul'.

  • This is correct, but it means you want to choose, not to be chosen.

    Different MeaningMən seçmək istəyirəm.
    Mən seçilmək istəyirəm.

    'Mən seçmək istəyirəm' is correct: 'I want to choose.' If you want to be the one chosen, use the passive 'seçilmək'.

How It Connects

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

-ılmaqLevel 4Passive Infinitive

Learn This First

To understand the passive infinitive, a learner must first be familiar with the basic infinitive form (-maq/-mək) and how the passive voice is constructed using the -ıl suffix. Knowledge of vowel harmony is also required to ensure the suffixes match the verb stem correctly.

Words in This Pattern

-il-mək