toki
So That, Until
Action, toki + goal with -sin = so that: Baland gapiring, toki hamma eshitsin (Speak loudly so that everyone hears).
How It Works
1. So that
Say what is done first. Then add toki and what it is for:
- Baland gapiring, toki hamma eshitsin. (Speak loudly so that everyone hears.)
- Eshikni yopib qoʻying, toki mushuk kirmasin. (Close the door so the cat doesn't get in.)
The verb after toki is usually a -sin form: eshitsin, kirmasin, tushunsin. When the goal is a state, it is often boʻlsin: toki hamma xursand boʻlsin (so that everyone is happy).
2. Everyday alternatives
Toki sounds a little bookish. In speech, the same goal is often said with -sin deb, which puts the goal first: Hamma eshitsin deb, baland gapirdi (He spoke loudly so that everyone would hear). For your own goal, use -ish uchun: Yaxshi gapirish uchun mashq qilaman (I practise in order to speak well).
3. Until and as long as
In literary style, toki can mark how far something goes, like the word to with -gacha or -guncha: Toki quyosh botguncha dalada ishladik (We worked in the field until the sun went down). In poems and speeches it can also mean as long as: Toki tirik ekanman, seni unutmayman (As long as I live, I won't forget you).
4. A goal, not a cause
Toki names a goal that is still to be reached. To say why something already happened, use chunki.
Examples (6)
- Baland gapiring, toki hamma eshitsin.
Speak loudly so that everyone can hear.
Word by Word: Loudly speak, so-that everyone let-hear.
- Eshikni yopib qoʻying, toki mushuk kirmasin.
Close the door so the cat doesn't get in.
Word by Word: Door-(object) closing put, so-that cat let-not-enter.
- Sekinroq tushuntiring, toki bolalar ham tushunsin.
Explain more slowly so that the children understand too.
Word by Word: More-slowly explain, so-that children too let-understand.
- Ular kecha-yu kunduz ishladi, toki farzandlari hech narsaga muhtoj boʻlmasin.
They worked night and day so that their children would never go without.
Word by Word: They night-and day worked, so-that children-their nothing-to needy let-not-be.
- Toki quyosh botguncha dalada ishladik.
We worked in the field until the sun went down.
Word by Word: Until sun until-it-set field-in we-worked.
Literary. Everyday Uzbek says to or simply uses -guncha: Quyosh botguncha ishladik.
- Toki tirik ekanman, seni unutmayman.
As long as I live, I won't forget you.
Word by Word: As-long-as alive I-am, you-(object) I-will-not-forget.
Poetic. This use of toki belongs to songs, poems and speeches.
Common Mistakes
Using toki to give a reason, as if it meant because.
Darsga kechikdim, toki avtobus kelmadi.Darsga kechikdim, chunki avtobus kelmadi.Toki gives a goal, something you want to happen. For a reason that has already happened, use chunki.
How It Connects
Learn This First
Builds on So That: -sin deb.
Related Patterns
- -sinLet Him or Her: -sin
The let-form that usually follows toki: eshitsin, kirmasin.
Level 2 - -ish uchunIn Order to: -ish Uchun
States your own purpose with a verb noun: gapirish uchun (in order to speak).
Level 3 - chunkiBecause
Gives a cause, while toki gives a goal; learners often mix them up.
Level 2 - -gunchaUntil and Before: -guncha
The until-form that literary toki can strengthen: toki quyosh botguncha.
Level 3 - -ish maqsadidaWith the Aim of
A formal way to name a purpose in reports and official texts.
Level 5
Practice toki in Bubblegum
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