-tzeko + Noun

Things to Do

Level 3

Verb + -tzeko + noun: jateko gogoa (the wish to eat). With an adjective: irteteko prest (ready to leave).

How It Works

1. With nouns. Many common nouns take a -tzeko partner:

  • gogoa (wish, feeling like): jateko gogoa
  • asmoa (plan, intention): joateko asmoa
  • ordua (time): ohera joateko ordua
  • astia (free time): irakurtzeko astia
  • modua (way): egiteko modua
  • beldurra (fear): galtzeko beldurra

Things can be described by their use too: lo egiteko pilulak (sleeping pills).

2. In negatives and questions. The noun often takes the partitive -rik: Ez dut afaltzeko gogorik. (I don't feel like having dinner.)

3. With adjectives. prest (ready) and gai (able) take -tzeko: Edozer egiteko prest dago. (He is ready to do anything.) Ez naiz hori egiteko gai. (I am not able to do that.)

4. Same form, different job. In purpose -tzeko the form explains why the whole action happens. Here it hangs on one noun or adjective, like any -ko modifier. When the purpose is a noun rather than a verb, use -rako: afaltzeko (to have dinner) but afarirako (for dinner).

Tip: The object of the -tzeko verb comes right before it: hori egiteko, zerbait jateko (something to eat).

Examples (6)

  1. Ez dut afaltzeko gogorik.

    I don't feel like having dinner.

    In a negative sentence the noun takes -rik: gogorik.

  2. Ohera joateko ordua da.

    It is time to go to bed.

  3. Bihar hondartzara joateko asmoa dut.

    I plan to go to the beach tomorrow.

  4. Irteteko prest nago.

    I am ready to leave.

  5. Gai naiz hori egiteko.

    I am able to do that.

  6. Ez dut hau egiteko modurik aurkitu.

    I haven't found a way to do this.

Common Mistakes

  • Using the -tzea verbal noun instead of -tzeko before a noun.

    Jatea gogoa dut.
    Jateko gogoa dut.

    -tzea makes a noun, not a describing word. To tell what the wish is for, use -tzeko before gogoa.

  • Using the -tzen form with prest.

    Prest nago irteten.
    Prest nago irteteko.

    prest (ready) and gai (able) take -tzeko: irteteko prest, hori egiteko gai.

How It Connects

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

-tzeko + NounLevel 3Things to Do

Learn This First

The -tzeko form can modify a noun or complement an adjective.