bəri

Since with Bəri

Level 2

The postposition bəri is the standard way to say 'since' in Azerbaijani. It marks a starting point in time and implies the action is still continuing.

How It Works

The postposition bəri is essential for expressing time spans. Unlike English, which uses 'since' for points in time and 'for' for durations, Azerbaijani often uses bəri for both if the action is ongoing.

1. Grammatical Structure:
It attaches to the ablative case (-dan/-dən).
Example: uşaqlıqdan bəri (since childhood).

2. Temporal vs. Spatial:
While usually temporal ('since'), it can also be a spatial adverb meaning 'this way' or 'hither' (e.g., Bəri gəl! - Come this way!).

3. Use with Verbs:
To say 'since [doing something]', it is added to the -andan/-əndən suffix (the ablative form of the -an participle).
Example: gələndən bəri (since coming).

4. Tense Usage:
Sentences with bəri typically use the present continuous tense because the action started in the past and is still happening now.

Examples (4)

  1. Səhərdən bəri yağış yağır.

    It has been raining since morning.

    Word by Word: Morning-from since rain is-raining.

    Here, 'səhər' (morning) takes the ablative suffix '-dən' to pair with 'bəri'.

  2. Uşaqlıqdan bəri biz dostuq.

    We have been friends since childhood.

    Word by Word: Childhood-from since we friends-are.

    This shows a long-term state that began in the past and continues to the present.

  3. Bakıya gələndən bəri çox şey dəyişib.

    A lot has changed since [I] came to Baku.

    Word by Word: Baku-to coming-from since many thing has-changed.

    The suffix '-əndən' is the ablative form of the participle, allowing 'bəri' to follow a verb.

  4. İki saatdan bəri səni gözləyirəm.

    I have been waiting for you for two hours.

    Word by Word: Two hour-from since you-acc waiting-am.

    In Azerbaijani, 'bəri' is used even for durations (like 'for two hours') if the waiting is still happening.

Common Mistakes

  • Using the wrong case (Nominative or Dative) before bəri.

    Dünən bəri işləyirəm.
    Dünəndən bəri işləyirəm.

    Bəri is a postposition that strictly requires the ablative case (-dan/-dən). You cannot use the base form of the word.

  • Using the past tense when you are still waiting.

    Different MeaningSəhərdən bəri gözlədim.
    Səhərdən bəri gözləyirəm.

    Səhərdən bəri gözlədim is a good sentence, but it says the waiting is over ('I waited from the morning on'). If you are still waiting, use the present tense, as in the right sentence.

How It Connects

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bəriLevel 2Since with Bəri

Learn This First

To use 'bəri' (since), you must first understand the ablative case (-dan/-dən), as this postposition always follows a noun or time expression marked with that case. Additionally, knowledge of vowel harmony is required to correctly attach the case suffix, and familiarity with the present tense is helpful for constructing complete sentences like 'I have been working since morning'.

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bəri