-me (ad-fiil)
Turning a Verb into a Noun with -me
The -me/-ma suffix (short infinitive) turns a verb into a noun. It is a common way to attach a possessive suffix or case endings like the Accusative or Dative to a verbal action.
How It Works
The -me suffix is a versatile tool for building complex sentences. While -mek/-mak is the standard infinitive, -me is used in specific syntactic environments.
1. Subject and General Statements:
Like -mek, the -me suffix can function as the subject of a sentence for general statements: Yüzme iyi bir spordur (Swimming is a good sport).
2. Possessive Interaction:
You cannot add possessive suffixes to -mak. To say 'my coming,' you must use -me: gel-me-m.
- Gitmen (Your going)
- Okuması (His/her reading)
3. Case Endings and Buffer Letters:
The choice between -me and -mek depends on the case ending:
- Mandatory -me: Use -me for the Accusative (yüzme-y-i seviyorum), the Dative (yüzme-y-e gidiyorum), and the Genitive (yüzme-n-in faydaları).
- Ablative and Locative: The Ablative and Locative cases typically use -mek for verbal nouns (yüzmekten yoruldum). However, -me is used with the Locative when referring to a specific skill or field of activity: Okumada güçlük çekiyor (He has difficulty in reading). Note that -meden usually creates an adverb meaning 'without doing.'
- Buffer Letters: Without a possessive, use -y- for Accusative/Dative, but -n- for Genitive. With a 3rd person possessive, always use -n- before any case: gelme-si-n-i bekliyorum.
4. Indirect Commands and Compounds:
The -me suffix is essential for indirect commands: Annem gitme-m-i söyledi (My mother told me to go). It is also used in compound nouns for purpose: yüzme havuzu (swimming pool).
5. Permanent Nouns:
Some -me words are now standard nouns, like dondurma (ice cream) or danışma (information desk).
6. Stress and Negation:
Do not confuse this with the negative suffix. In the verbal noun, the stress is on the -me suffix (okumA). In a negative command, the stress is on the syllable before the suffix (Okuma!).
Examples (5)
- Onun gelmesi beni çok mutlu etti.
His coming made me very happy.
Word by Word: His coming me very happy did.
Here, 'gelme' takes the 3rd person possessive suffix '-si' to show who is coming.
- Yarın tatile gitmeye karar verdik.
We decided to go on vacation tomorrow.
Word by Word: Tomorrow vacation-to going-to decision we-gave.
The verb 'karar vermek' requires the dative case (-e), so 'gitme' becomes 'gitmeye'.
- Kitap okumayı çok seviyorum.
I love reading books.
Word by Word: Book reading-accusative very I-love.
The verb 'sevmek' takes the accusative case (-i), so 'okuma' becomes 'okumayı'.
- Senin burada sigara içmen beni rahatsız ediyor.
Your smoking here bothers me.
Word by Word: Your here cigarette smoking-your me uncomfortable does.
This refers to a specific instance of 'your smoking' rather than smoking in general.
- Annem eve geç kalmamdan korkuyor.
My mother is afraid of my being late to the house.
Word by Word: My-mother house-to late staying-my-from is-fearing.
The verb 'korkmak' requires the ablative case (-den), attached here to the verbal noun 'kalmam'.
Common Mistakes
Forgetting the -n- buffer between a 3rd person possessive and a case suffix.
Onun gelmesii bekliyorum.Onun gelmesini bekliyorum.When a case suffix follows a 3rd person possessive (-(s)i), you must use the -n- buffer. This rule does not apply to 1st or 2nd person possessives.
Using -mak when a possessive suffix is required.
Benim gitmekim lazım.Benim gitmem lazım.The -mak suffix cannot take personal possessive endings. You must use -me to express 'my/your/his' specific actions.
How It Connects
Learn This First
To understand the -me (ad-fiil) pattern, you need to be familiar with how verbs are turned into nouns. This specific form often acts as a possessed noun in a possessive construction, so knowing possessive suffixes is crucial. Additionally, you must apply basic vowel harmony to choose between -me and -ma.
- -(s)i (iyelik, 3. tekil)His, Her, Its
The -me ad-fiil pattern frequently uses possessive suffixes to indicate the subject of the action (e.g., 'gel-me-si').
Level 1 - -mek/-makThe Infinitive
Understanding the basic infinitive form is essential before learning the shortened -me infinitive used for specific syntactic functions.
Level 1
Related Patterns
- -mek (ad-fiil)Turning a Verb into a Noun with -mek
The general infinitive used for abstract concepts and dictionary forms, which contrasts with the specific -me.
Level 5 - -iş (ad-fiil)Nouns of Manner with -iş
Another verbal noun suffix that focuses specifically on the 'manner' or 'way' an action is performed.
Level 5 - -n-Buffer Consonant -n-
Essential for connecting case endings to verbal nouns that already have a 3rd person possessive suffix.
Level 1 - -mesini istemekWanting Someone Else to Do Something
A common construction using the -me verbal noun to express wanting someone else to do something.
Level 5 - Vowel Harmony: Front and Back
The rule that determines whether the suffix appears as -me or -ma.
Level 1
Words in This Pattern
Practice -me (ad-fiil) in Bubblegum
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