kadar (eşitlik)

As ... as

Level 2

kadar is a postposition used to compare two things that are equal in some way. It follows the noun or pronoun it is comparing.

How It Works

The word kadar is the standard way to say 'as ... as' in Turkish. It indicates that the subject reaches the same limit, extent, or magnitude as the object of comparison.

1. Usage with Nouns:
Nouns stay in their basic form (the plain form).
Example: Taş kadar sert (As hard as a stone).

2. Usage with Pronouns:
Personal pronouns take the genitive suffix. Singular demonstrative pronouns can take it too, but plain forms like bu kadar are very common:

  • Benim / Senin / Onun kadar (As ... as me/you/him)
  • Bizim / Sizin kadar (As ... as us/you)
  • Bunun / Şunun kadar (As ... as this/that)

Plural demonstratives (bunlar, şunlar, onlar) usually stay in the plain form (e.g., onlar kadar).

3. Usage with Infinitives:
You can compare actions by using the infinitive form. The verb stays in the plain infinitive form.
Example: Çalışmak kadar eğlenceli (As fun as working).

4. Comparing Extent with Participles:
To compare the degree or extent of an action, use the -dik participle with a possessive ending.
Example: İstediğin kadar ye. (Eat as much as you want).

5. Approximation:
When 'kadar' follows numbers or measurements, it means 'about' or 'approximately'.
Example: Beş kilo kadar elma (About five kilos of apples).

6. Negation:
To say something is 'not as ... as', simply add değil to the end of the sentence.
Example: Senin kadar yorgun değilim (I am not as tired as you).

7. Important Distinction:
Do not confuse this with the until and as far as usage. When 'kadar' follows a noun in the dative case, it means 'until' or 'as far as' (e.g., okula kadar). For 'as...as', the noun must be in the plain form.

Examples (6)

  1. Ali, Mehmet kadar uzundur.

    Ali is as tall as Mehmet.

    Word by Word: Ali, Mehmet as-much-as tall-is.

    Here, 'kadar' follows the noun 'Mehmet' to show that Ali's height is equal to Mehmet's.

  2. Senin kadar hızlı koşamıyorum.

    I cannot run as fast as you.

    Word by Word: Your as-much-as fast I-cannot-run.

    Notice that the pronoun 'sen' becomes 'senin' (genitive) before 'kadar'.

  3. Bu valiz bir taş kadar ağır.

    This suitcase is as heavy as a rock.

    Word by Word: This suitcase one stone as-much-as heavy.

    A common simile using 'kadar' to compare the weight of a suitcase to a stone.

  4. Onun kadar çok çalışmalısın.

    You should work as much as him.

    Word by Word: His as-much-as much you-should-work.

    The genitive 'onun' is used with 'kadar' to compare the amount of work.

  5. Bunun kadar pahalı bir araba görmedim.

    I haven't seen a car as expensive as this one.

    Word by Word: This-genitive as-much-as expensive one car I-did-not-see.

    Demonstrative pronouns like 'bu' (this) usually take the genitive suffix '-(n)in' before 'kadar'. The plain form 'bu kadar' is also common.

  6. Uyumak kadar güzel bir şey yok.

    There is nothing as nice as sleeping.

    Word by Word: To-sleep as-much-as beautiful one thing there-is-not.

    You can use 'kadar' with the infinitive to compare actions.

Common Mistakes

  • Using the dative case for equality comparison.

    Sen bana kadar hızlısın.
    Senin kadar hızlıyım.

    Learners often confuse 'kadar' (as...as) with -e kadar (until/up to). For equality, use the genitive with pronouns (senin), not the dative (bana).

  • Using the plain form for personal pronouns like 'biz' or 'siz'.

    Biz kadar çalışkan değiller.
    Bizim kadar çalışkan değiller.

    All personal pronouns (ben, sen, o, biz, siz) must be in the genitive case when followed by 'kadar'. Only plural demonstratives like 'bunlar' or 'onlar' typically stay in the plain form.

How It Connects

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kadar (eşitlik)Level 2As ... as

Learn This First

To use 'kadar' for equality, you need to understand how to use genitive pronouns (like 'benim') which are required with this particle, how adjectives function in Turkish, and how to structure a basic sentence.

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kadar