-mek (ad-fiil)
Turning a Verb into a Noun with -mek
The -mek / -mak suffix creates the 'dictionary form' of a verb. It functions as a noun that represents the concept of an action (e.g., 'to swim' or 'swimming').
How It Works
The -mek / -mak suffix, known as the ad-fiil (verbal noun), is the primary way to nominalize a verb in Turkish when you want to talk about the action itself rather than a specific instance of it.
1. Usage as a Subject:
When you want to make a general statement about an activity, use the infinitive.
Example: Yüzmek eğlencelidir. (Swimming is fun.)
2. With Postpositions:
It is the standard form used with postpositions like için (for/in order to), kadar (as much as), and üzere (about to).
Example: Zayıflamak için koşuyorum. (I am running in order to lose weight.)
3. Morphological Restrictions:
Unlike the short infinitive -me, the -mek form is 'case-defective.' It can take the locative (-mekte), the ablative (-mekten), and the instrumental (-mekle) cases. However, it cannot take possessive suffixes, the accusative, the dative, or the genitive case. If you need these, you must switch to the -me form.
4. Lexicalized Exceptions:
Some words ending in -mek have become 'frozen' as permanent nouns, such as ekmek (bread), yemek (food), or çakmak (lighter). These are not case-defective and can take any suffix (e.g., ekmeğim - my bread).
5. Formal Continuous:
In formal writing, the form -mekte acts as a formal version of the present continuous.
Examples (5)
- Kitap okumak en büyük hobim.
Reading books is my biggest hobby.
Word by Word: Book to-read most big my-hobby.
Here, 'okumak' acts as the subject of the sentence, naming the activity of reading.
- Yeni bir dil öğrenmek kolay değil.
Learning a new language is not easy.
Word by Word: New one language to-learn easy not.
The infinitive 'öğrenmek' is used to make a general statement about the concept of learning.
- Seni görmek için buraya geldim.
I came here in order to see you.
Word by Word: You to-see for to-here I-came.
When the same person does both actions, purpose with 'için' uses the -mek form. If the subject changes, use -mesi için.
- Hata yapmaktan korkma.
Don't be afraid of making mistakes.
Word by Word: Mistake from-to-make do-not-fear.
The verb 'korkmak' (to fear) takes the ablative case (-den/-dan). The infinitive -mak can accept this case ending.
- Ders çalışmak istemiyorum.
I don't want to study.
Word by Word: Lesson to-work I-do-not-want.
The verb 'istemek' (to want) typically takes the -mek infinitive as its object.
Common Mistakes
Attaching possessive suffixes to -mek.
Benim gitmekim.Benim gitmem.The -mek suffix cannot take possessive endings. You must use the short infinitive -me/-ma for possessive constructions.
Using -mek with the accusative or dative case.
Yüzmeği seviyorum.Yüzmeyi seviyorum.While -mek is the dictionary form, it cannot take the accusative or dative cases. Verbs like 'sevmek' (to love) or 'başlamak' (to start) require the short infinitive -me plus the appropriate case suffix.
Leaving a lexicalized noun like 'yemek' in its -mek form.
Yemek'i sevdim.Yemeği sevdim.Words like 'ekmek' (bread) or 'yemek' (food, meal) have become real nouns. They take case endings like any noun, and the final k softens: 'yemeği', 'ekmeği'.
How It Connects
Learn This First
To understand the -mek verbal noun, you first need to be familiar with the infinitive form of Turkish verbs. Since these nouns often function as the subject of a sentence (e.g., 'Swimming is healthy'), understanding how to form basic sentences without a main action verb (nominal sentences) is essential. Finally, you must apply two-way vowel harmony to choose the correct form of the suffix.
- -mek/-makThe Infinitive
The -mek (ad-fiil) pattern is identical in form to the infinitive suffix, which is the most basic way to represent a verb as a noun.
Level 1 - Sentences Without a Verb
Verbal nouns ending in -mek are frequently used as subjects or predicates in nominal sentences (sentences without a verb).
Level 1
Related Patterns
- -me (ad-fiil)Turning a Verb into a Noun with -me
The short infinitive, which is used instead of -mek when possessive suffixes or cases like the accusative, dative, and genitive are needed.
Level 5 - -mek üzereAbout to and in Order to
A postpositional phrase used with the -mek form to mean 'about to' or 'for the purpose of'.
Level 5 - -mek istemekWanting to Do Something
A very common construction where the -mek infinitive serves as the object of the verb 'to want'.
Level 1 - -mek içinIn Order to
The standard way to express 'in order to' using the full infinitive.
Level 4 - -mektedirThe Formal Progressive
The formal version of the present continuous tense, built using the locative form of the -mek infinitive.
Level 6 - Vowel Harmony: Front and Back
The rule that determines whether you use -mek or -mak based on the verb stem's vowels.
Level 1
Learn Next
Patterns that build on this one.
Words in This Pattern
Practice -mek (ad-fiil) in Bubblegum
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