-le ilgili / -e ait
About and Belonging to
Turkish uses specific postpositions to show relationships and ownership. -le ilgili connects two things by relevance, while -e ait identifies who or what something belongs to.
How It Works
These two patterns are essential for intermediate Turkish communication.
1. -le ilgili (Related to / About)
This expression shows a connection between two concepts. While it often translates to 'about', it is broader than hakkında because it implies a general association. Crucially, ilgili functions as an adjective, allowing it to modify nouns directly (e.g., sporla ilgili bir kitap), whereas hakkında is a compound noun structure. In the meaning 'related to', ilgili requires the instrumental suffix.
- Usage Types: It can be used as an adjective before a noun (sporla ilgili bir kitap - a book about sports) or as a predicate at the end of a sentence (Bu kitap sporla ilgili - This book is about sports). When used as a predicate with person endings, it indicates a connection or involvement (e.g., Sporla ilgiliyim - I am involved with/related to sports).
- Nouns and Verbal Nouns: Add the instrumental suffix to the plain form or infinitive: kitapla ilgili, yüzmekle ilgili.
- Pronouns: For personal pronouns ben, sen, o and biz, siz, as well as singular demonstratives, use the genitive stem (benimle, seninle, onunla, bizimle, sizinle, bununla). In contrast, the plural pronoun onlar and plural demonstratives use the plain form: onlarla ilgili, bunlarla ilgili. Note that while hakkında requires the genitive for singular pronouns (senin hakkında), it typically uses the plain form for the plural onlar (onlar hakkında).
- Synonyms: In formal contexts, you may see -e ilişkin or -e dair, both of which use the dative case instead of the instrumental (e.g., konuya dair).
2. -e ait (Belonging to)
This is the standard way to express that something belongs to someone or pertains to a specific category. It is more emphatic than a simple possessive construction.
- Nouns and Verbal Nouns: Add the dative suffix to the noun or verbal noun: şirkete ait (belonging to the company).
- Pronouns: Use the dative pronouns: bana ait (belongs to me). When using demonstrative pronouns, use the buffer 'n': buna ait, ona ait.
Examples (6)
- Bu konuyla ilgili henüz bir karar vermedik.
We haven't made a decision regarding this matter yet.
Word by Word: This topic-with related yet one decision we-did-not-give.
Here, 'konuyla ilgili' shows that the decision is connected to the specific topic.
- Bu anahtarlar kime ait?
Who do these keys belong to?
Word by Word: These keys who-to belong?
The dative case on 'kim' (kime) is required by the postposition 'ait'.
- Bununla ilgili daha fazla bilgi istiyorum.
I want more information about this.
Word by Word: This-with related more much information I-want.
Demonstrative pronouns like 'bu' take the genitive stem 'bunun' before the instrumental suffix when used with 'ilgili'.
- Yüzmekle ilgili bir kitap okuyorum.
I am reading a book about swimming.
Word by Word: Swimming-with related one book I-am-reading.
Verbal nouns ending in -mek/mak follow the same rules; here the instrumental suffix is added to the infinitive.
- Bu sorumluluk tamamen bana ait.
This responsibility belongs entirely to me.
Word by Word: This responsibility completely me-to belongs.
'-e ait' is used here for an abstract concept (responsibility) rather than a physical object.
- Çalışmaya ait tüm belgeleri getirdim.
I brought all the documents pertaining to the work.
Word by Word: Work-to pertaining all documents-acc I-brought.
The verbal noun 'çalışma' takes the dative suffix -(y)e to connect with 'ait'.
Common Mistakes
Using the wrong case with 'ilgili'.
Bana ilgili bir soru sordu.Benimle ilgili bir soru sordu.'Ilgili' requires the instrumental case (-le/-la), not the dative case (-e/-a). For pronouns, use the genitive stem (benimle, seninle, etc.).
Using the genitive case with 'ait'.
Bu kitap benim ait.Bu kitap bana ait.'Ait' always requires the dative case (-e/-a). Even though it shows possession, you cannot use the genitive 'benim'.
Using the genitive pronoun before 'ait'.
Bu kalem benim ait.Bu kalem bana ait.'Ait' needs the dative case: 'bana ait', 'ona ait'. Do not use 'benim' or 'onun' before it.
How It Connects
Learn This First
To use these expressions, you need to understand how to attach the dative case (-e/-a) for 'belonging to' and the instrumental suffix (-le/-la) for 'about'. You also need to know how personal pronouns change when these suffixes are applied.
- ile / -(y)leWith (Instrumental)
The pattern '-le ilgili' uses the instrumental suffix/particle 'ile' to connect the subject to the topic.
Level 2 - bana / sana / onaPronouns in the Dative
Personal pronouns must be used in their dative forms (e.g., 'bize ait') or with the instrumental (e.g., 'benimle ilgili') when using these expressions.
Level 1
Related Patterns
- -(y)e (yönelme hâli)Dative Case
The dative case is the required case for the '-e ait' and '-e dair' constructions.
Level 1 - benimle / seninleWith Me, With You
These instrumental pronoun forms are used when 'ilgili' refers to a person.
Level 2 - -e dair / -e ilişkin / -e yönelikConcerning (Formal)
These are more formal synonyms for '-le ilgili' that use the dative case instead.
Level 6 - Saying Whose Something Is
The standard way to show possession, which '-e ait' often emphasizes or replaces in the predicate.
Level 2
Words in This Pattern
Practice -le ilgili / -e ait in Bubblegum
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