-gi/-gı

Nouns from Verbs (-gi)

Level 5

The -gi suffix (and its variants -gı, -gu, -gü, -ki, -kı, -ku, -kü) transforms a verb stem into a noun. It is used to create words for abstract concepts (like 'love'), results of actions (like 'knowledge'), or specific tools (like 'scarf').

How It Works

The -gi suffix is a foundational part of Turkish word formation. While it is no longer highly productive (meaning you cannot easily invent new words with it today), it exists in many essential vocabulary items.

1. Vowel Harmony Rules:
The suffix changes based on the last vowel of the verb stem:

  • -gı: after a, ı (e.g., yaz-gı → destiny)
  • -gi: after e, i (e.g., sev-gi → love)
  • -gu: after o, u (e.g., sor-gu → interrogation)
  • -gü: after ö, ü (e.g., gör-gü → manners)

2. Consonant Assimilation:
If the verb stem ends in a voiceless consonant (f, s, t, k, ç, ş, h, p), the g changes to a k:

  • iç- + -gi → içki (alcoholic drink)
  • at- + -gı → atkı (scarf)
  • coş- + -gu → coşku (enthusiasm)

3. Meaning Categories:

  • Abstract Concepts: saygı (respect), duygu (feeling).
  • Results/Products: bilgi (knowledge/information), vergi (tax).
  • Tools/Objects: askı (hanger), sergi (exhibition).

Examples (4)

  1. Öğretmenimiz bize çok değerli bilgiler verdi.

    Our teacher gave us very valuable information.

    Word by Word: Teacher-our to-us very valuable know-ings gave.

    'Bilgi' comes from the verb 'bilmek' (to know) and represents the result of knowing.

  2. Bu sergideki resimler gerçekten etkileyici.

    The paintings in this exhibition are truly impressive.

    Word by Word: This lay-out-place-in-the pictures really impressive.

    'Sergi' comes from 'sermek' (to lay out/spread) and refers to the place/event where things are laid out.

  3. Ona karşı büyük bir saygı duyuyorum.

    I feel a great respect toward him/her.

    Word by Word: To-him/her against big a count-ing I-am-feeling.

    'Saygı' comes from 'saymak' (to count/esteem) and represents the abstract concept of respect.

  4. Kışın dışarı çıkarken mutlaka bir atkı takarım.

    I always wear a scarf when going out in winter.

    Word by Word: Winter-in outside going-while definitely a throw-ing I-wear.

    'Atkı' comes from 'atmak' (to throw) and refers to the object thrown over the shoulders. Note the 'g' becomes 'k' after the 't'.

Common Mistakes

  • Forgetting consonant assimilation (g to k).

    Akşam yemeğinde içgi içtik.
    Akşam yemeğinde içki içtik.

    Because the verb stem 'iç-' ends in a voiceless consonant 'ç', the suffix must harden to '-ki'.

  • Overgeneralizing the suffix to all verbs.

    Onun gelgisi beni mutlu etti.
    Onun gelişi beni mutlu etti.

    The -gi suffix is lexicalized; you cannot use it to create new nouns from any verb. For 'arrival', the suffix -iş is used instead.

How It Connects

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-gi/-gıLevel 5Nouns from Verbs (-gi)

Learn This First

To understand how to form nouns from verbs using the -gi suffix, you need to be familiar with Four-Way Vowel Harmony and Consonant Assimilation, as these dictate the four possible forms of the suffix (-gi, -gı, -gu, -gü) and its voiceless variants (-ki, -kı, -ku, -kü).

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-gi