ki (bağlaç)

The Word Ki

Level 3

The word ki is a standalone conjunction that functions like the English word 'that'. It allows for European-style sentence structures where a full clause follows a main verb, and it is also used for emphasis or to show results.

How It Works

The conjunction ki is unique in Turkish because it introduces a finite clause (a clause with its own tense and subject) after the main verb, mirroring Indo-European languages like English or Persian.

1. As a Complementizer ('that')
It connects a verb of thinking, saying, or knowing to the content of that thought. While native Turkish prefers nominalized structures (like -dik), ki is common in speech.
Example: Biliyorum ki geleceksin. (I know that you will come.)

2. Result and Consequence
When used with words like öyle (so) or o kadar (that much), it indicates a result.
Example: Öyle yoruldum ki hemen uyudum. (I was so tired that I slept immediately.)

3. Emphasis and Exclamation
At the end of a sentence, it adds a sense of 'but', 'clearly', or emotional weight.
Example: Sana söyledim ki! (But I told you!)

4. The 'SOMBAHÇEM' Exceptions
A few words have fused with ki over time and are written as one word: Sanki, Oysaki, Mademki, Belki, Halbuki, Çünkü, Meğerki. Note that çünkü is the only one that changed its vowel to match harmony.

Examples (5)

  1. Duydum ki unutmuşsun gözlerimin rengini.

    I heard that you have forgotten the color of my eyes.

    Word by Word: I heard that you-forgot my-eyes' color.

    Here 'ki' acts as a bridge between the verb 'duydum' (I heard) and the fact being reported.

  2. Öyle bir kar yağdı ki yollar kapandı.

    It snowed so much that the roads were closed.

    Word by Word: Such a snow fell that roads closed.

    This demonstrates the result/consecutive use of 'ki' following 'öyle'.

  3. İyi ki doğdun!

    Happy Birthday! (Lit: It is good that you were born!)

    Word by Word: Good that you-were-born!

    A very common idiomatic expression using 'ki' to express gratitude or happiness about a fact.

  4. Anlamadım ki ne demek istiyorsun.

    I didn't understand [at all] what you mean.

    Word by Word: I-did-not-understand that what to-say you-want.

    In this context, 'ki' adds emphasis to the speaker's lack of understanding.

  5. Düşün ki çok zenginsin.

    Imagine that you are very rich.

    Word by Word: Think that very rich-you-are.

    Used here to introduce a hypothetical scenario, similar to 'imagine that' or 'suppose'.

Common Mistakes

  • Writing the conjunction 'ki' attached to the verb.

    Görmedimki.
    Görmedim ki.

    The conjunction 'ki' is a separate word. If it follows a verb, it must always be written with a space.

  • Applying vowel harmony to 'ki'.

    Oldu ku...
    Oldu ki...

    Unlike most Turkish suffixes, the conjunction 'ki' is invariable and does not change based on the preceding vowels.

  • Confusing the conjunction 'ki' with the suffix '-ki'.

    Masada ki kitap.
    Masadaki kitap.

    The suffix '-ki' (meaning 'the one at/on') is attached to the word. The conjunction 'ki' (meaning 'that') is separate. Use the '-ler' test: if you can add '-ler' to the word (masadakiler), it is a suffix and should be attached.

How It Connects

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ki (bağlaç)Level 3The Word Ki

Learn This First

To understand the conjunction 'ki', you should first be comfortable with basic Turkish sentence structure and simple conjunctions. It is also helpful to distinguish it from the suffix '-ki', as they serve different grammatical functions despite looking similar.

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Words in This Pattern

ki