-tzeko
In Order to: -tzeko
-tzeko means to or in order to: Euskara ikasteko etorri naiz (I came to learn Basque). It also says what something is for: Zer dago jateko? (What is there to eat?)
How It Works
How to make it. Take the -tzen form and change the final -n to -ko:
- ikasi → ikasten → ikasteko (to learn)
- jan → jaten → jateko (to eat)
- egin → egiten → egiteko (to do)
- erosi → erosten → erosteko (to buy)
- etorri → etortzen → etortzeko (to come)
Purpose. A -tzeko phrase gives the reason for an action: Euskara ikasteko etorri naiz (I came to learn Basque). Dirua aurrezteko, bizikletaz joaten naiz lanera (To save money, I go to work by bike). The object of the -tzeko verb comes right before it: ogia erosteko (to buy the bread).
What something is for. -tzeko also links a verb to what you need or have: Zer dago jateko? (What is there to eat?) Ogia erosteko dirua behar dut (I need money to buy bread).
Not doing something. Put ez right before the -tzeko verb: ez ahazteko (so as not to forget).
A different doer. When someone else will do the action, name that person inside the phrase: Zuk ulertzeko, poliki hitz egingo dut (I will speak slowly so that you understand). Later you will also meet the subjunctive for this.
Going to do something. With verbs of motion like joan and etorri, Basque often uses -tzera instead: Erostera noa (I am going shopping).
Examples (6)
- Euskara ikasteko etorri naiz.
I came to learn Basque.
ikasteko gives the reason for coming.
- Zer dago jateko?
What is there to eat?
jateko says what the food is for.
- Ogia erosteko dirua behar dut.
I need money to buy bread.
The object ogia comes before erosteko.
- Dirua aurrezteko, bizikletaz joaten naiz lanera.
To save money, I go to work by bike.
- Paper batean idatzi dut, ez ahazteko.
I have written it on a piece of paper so I do not forget.
ez comes right before the -tzeko verb.
- Zuk ulertzeko, poliki hitz egingo dut.
I will speak slowly so that you understand.
zuk names a different doer inside the purpose phrase.
Common Mistakes
Leaving the verb in its dictionary form.
Euskara ikasi etorri naiz.Euskara ikasteko etorri naiz.A purpose needs the -tzeko ending. The bare participle ikasi cannot say why you came.
Using the verbal noun -tzea for a purpose.
Euskara ikastea etorri naiz.Euskara ikasteko etorri naiz.-tzea makes a verb act like a noun, for example as a subject. To say in order to, use -tzeko.
Forgetting -tzeko after what there is.
Zer dago jan?Zer dago jateko?To say what something is for, the verb needs -tzeko: jateko, edateko, irakurtzeko.
How It Connects
Learn This First
Purpose -tzeko builds on the verbal noun.
Related Patterns
- -tzera + Motion VerbGoing to Do: -tzera
The usual way to say go or come to do something.
Level 2 - -tzeko + NounThings to Do
Uses -tzeko after words like gogoa, modua and prest.
Level 3 - Reported Command + -tzekoTelling Someone to Do
Uses -tzeko to report what someone was told to do.
Level 3 - dadin / dezanSo That: Dadin, Dezan
Another way to say so that when the doer is different.
Level 3 - -rakoFor and by: -rako
-rako also says what something is for: Zertarako?
Level 3
Learn Next
Patterns that build on this one.
Practice -tzeko in Bubblegum
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