yəni

That Is Connector

Level 3

Use yəni to clarify a point, define a term, or rephrase a statement for better understanding. It is the Azerbaijani equivalent of 'i.e.', 'that is', or 'meaning'.

How It Works

The connector yəni is one of the most frequent words in Azerbaijani discourse. It serves several functions:

  • Clarification: It specifies a noun or a time. For example: 'Gələn həftə, yəni bazar ertəsi' (Next week, that is, Monday).
  • Reformulation: It allows the speaker to say the same thing in a simpler way or provide a logical interpretation. A common variant is yəni ki, which functions identically but adds emphasis to the clarification.
  • Inferential/Confirmation Questions: When placed at the beginning of a sentence, it often means 'So...' or 'Do you mean to say...?'
  • Discourse Marker: In casual speech, it is often used as a filler word similar to 'I mean'.

Punctuation Rules:
1. In formal writing, a comma is required before yəni when it connects two clauses or clarifies a preceding word.
2. A comma is used after yəni when it functions as a modal word at the beginning of a sentence to express a specific attitude. However, if it is used as a simple question particle (ədat) to turn a statement into a question, the comma is omitted (e.g., 'Yəni gəlmirsən?').
3. In formal lists, yəni can be followed by a colon (:) instead of a comma to introduce a series of items.

Unlike çünki (because), which gives a reason, yəni explains the identity, meaning, or implication of a statement.

Examples (6)

  1. Biz gələn ay, yəni mayda Bakıya gedirik.

    We are going to Baku next month, that is, in May.

    Word by Word: We coming month, meaning in-May to-Baku are-going.

    Here, 'yəni' is used to clarify exactly which month 'next month' refers to.

  2. O, zəngimə cavab vermədi, yəni hələ də mənə acıqlıdır.

    He didn't answer my call, meaning he is still angry with me.

    Word by Word: He, to-my-call answer gave-not, meaning still also to-me angry-is.

    In this case, 'yəni' introduces an interpretation or a logical result of the first action.

  3. Yəni ki, sən demək istəyirsən ki, bu yalandır?

    So, do you mean to say that this is a lie?

    Word by Word: Meaning that, you to-say want-you that, this lie-is?

    This example uses the common variant 'yəni ki' to strengthen the clarification.

  4. Yəni sən bizimlə gəlmirsən?

    So you aren't coming with us?

    Word by Word: Meaning you with-us come-not-you?

    When 'yəni' acts as a simple question particle (ədat) to turn a statement into a question, the comma is omitted.

  5. Yəni, sən gəlmirsən?

    I mean, you aren't coming?

    Word by Word: Meaning, you come-not-you?

    When 'yəni' functions as a modal word expressing a specific attitude or seeking confirmation, it is followed by a comma.

  6. Mənə üç şey lazımdır, yəni: qələm, dəftər və kitab.

    I need three things, namely: a pen, a notebook, and a book.

    Word by Word: To-me three thing necessary-is, meaning: pen, notebook and book.

    In formal writing or lists, 'yəni' can be followed by a colon to introduce a series of items.

Common Mistakes

  • Using 'yəni' to provide a reason instead of 'çünki'.

    Mən dərsə getmədim, yəni xəstə idim.
    Mən dərsə getmədim, çünki xəstə idim.

    'Yəni' explains what something means, while 'çünki' explains why something happened. Being sick is the reason for not going, not a clarification of the act of not going.

  • Omitting the comma before 'yəni' in formal writing.

    Sabah yəni şənbə günü görüşərik.
    Sabah, yəni şənbə günü görüşərik.

    In careful writing, explanatory connectors like yəni are normally set off by a comma when they introduce a clarifying phrase.

How It Connects

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

yəniLevel 3That Is Connector

Learn This First

The connector 'yəni' is used for reformulation and clarification. To use it effectively, learners should already be comfortable with basic sentence structures, nominal predicates, and the general concept of using conjunctions to link ideas.

Words in This Pattern

yəni