How to use ”ki” in Turkish?-GC1

Uses of “ki” in Turkish

“Ki” in Turkish has three main functions:

As a suffix (-ki) to indicate possession or relation
As a conjunction (ki) to connect two clauses
As an intensifier in colloquial expressions

1. Possessive Suffix (-ki) → Indicates possession or relation

This “-ki” suffix is attached to nouns and functions like “of” or “belonging to” in English. It is commonly used with time, place, and objects.

Turkish Sentence	English Translation
Evdeki kitapları okudum.	I read the books in the house.
Dünkü sınav çok zordu.	Yesterday’s exam was very difficult.
Arabadaki çanta benim.	The bag in the car is mine.
Okuldaki öğretmenler çok iyi.	The teachers at school are very good.

2. Conjunction (ki) → Connects two clauses

This “ki” functions like “that” in English, connecting two parts of a sentence.

Turkish Sentence	English Translation
Biliyorum ki bu işi başaracaksın.	I know that you will succeed in this job.
Duydum ki yeni bir işe başlamışsın.	I heard that you started a new job.
Söyledim ki unutmasınlar.	I told them so that they wouldn’t forget.
Öyle güzelsin ki gözlerimi alamıyorum.	You are so beautiful that I can’t take my eyes off you.

3. Intensifier (ki) → Adds emphasis

In colloquial Turkish, “ki” is often used to emphasize emotions, similar to “so” or “such that” in English.

Turkish Sentence	English Translation
O kadar yoruldum ki uyuyakaldım.	I was so tired that I fell asleep.
Öyle hızlı koştu ki kimse yetişemedi.	He ran so fast that no one could catch him.
Çocuk o kadar küçük ki kalemi tutamıyor.	The child is so small that he can’t hold the pencil.
Film o kadar sıkıcıydı ki yarıda bıraktım.	The movie was so boring that I left it halfway.

Usage Area & Function	Grammatical Explanation & Example
1. Adjectival “-ki” Forms an adjective phrase that specifies which noun we are talking about.	Grammar: Attaches to a noun in a case (locative, genitive, ablative). It answers “which one?” by pointing to a location, owner, or source. Example: Dünkü toplantı çok uzundu. Explanation: There were many meetings on different days. “Dünkü” specifies “the meeting that happened yesterday”. It means “yesterday’s” or “the one from yesterday”.
2. Pronominal “-ki” Acts as a pronoun, replacing a noun entirely to avoid repetition.	Grammar: It stands alone, often following a possessive pronoun (benim, senin) or a noun in the genitive case. It means “the one belonging to…”. Example: Arabam bozuk, seninkini alabilir miyim? Explanation: “Seninki” directly replaces “your car”. It means “yours” (your one).
3. Temporal/Conjunctive “-ki” Indicates time or functions as the conjunction “that” to link clauses.	Grammar: A) Temporal: Attaches directly to time words (dün, bugün, yarın) to form adjectives like “yesterday’s”. Example: Sabahki haber şok etkisi yarattı. (The morning news…)B) Conjunction: Used in fixed patterns like “öyle… ki” (so… that) or “demek ki” (so, it means that). It does not attach to the previous word here. Example: Öyle hızlı koştu ki yetişemedim. (He ran so fast that I couldn’t catch up.)

“-ki” Ekinin 30 Örnekle Detaylı Analizi

Türkçe Cümle & İngilizce Çevirisi	“-ki” Türü & Detaylı Gramer Açıklaması (İngilizce)
1. Evdeki hesap çarşıya uymadı. The plan made at home did not match up with the market reality.	Adjectival -ki (Locative) Attached to the locative noun phrase “evde”* (in the house). It modifies the noun “hesap” (plan/calculation), specifying it as *“the plan that exists or is made in the house.”* It answers “which plan?”
2. Benimki sadece bir kahve, lütfen. Mine is just a coffee, please.	Pronominal -ki Stands alone as a pronoun. “Benimki”* directly replaces a singular noun like “siparişim” (my order), “içeceğim” (my drink), or “tercihim” (my choice). It means “the one/thing belonging to me.”
3. Dünkü toplantı çok verimliydi. Yesterday’s meeting was very productive.	Adjectival -ki (Temporal) Attached to the time word “dün”* (yesterday). It modifies the noun “toplantı” (meeting), specifying it as *“the meeting that took place yesterday“* as opposed to meetings on other days.
4. Masadaki kitapları topladım. I collected the books on the table.	Adjectival -ki (Locative) Attached to the locative noun “masada”* (on the table). It modifies the noun “kitaplar” (books), specifying *“the books that are located on the table“* and not elsewhere.
5. Seninki nerede kaldı? Where did yours (your one) stay?	Pronominal -ki Replaces a singular possessed noun, inferred from context (e.g., “araban”* (your car), “çantan” (your bag)). “Seninki” means “the one/thing belonging to you.”
6. Öyle güzel bir manzara ki kelimelerle anlatılamaz. It is such a beautiful view that it cannot be described with words.	Conjunctive -ki Part of the fixed structure “öyle… ki”* (so… that). It is not replacing a noun. It functions as a conjunction, linking the main clause (“it’s a beautiful view”) to the result clause (“it can’t be described”), meaning “that.”
7. İstanbul’dan kalan anılarım çok değerli. My memories from Istanbul are very precious.	Adjectival -ki (Ablative) Attached to the ablative noun “İstanbul’dan”* (from Istanbul). It modifies the noun “anılar” (memories), specifying them as *“the memories that originate or remain from Istanbul.”*
8. Demek ki gerçekten gitmiş. So, it means (that) he really left.	Conjunctive -ki A fixed conjunction “demek ki”. It does not modify a noun. It expresses a logical conclusion, connecting an implied previous statement to this one, meaning “so, therefore, it means that.”*
9. Bahçedeki ağaç çiçek açtı. The tree in the garden bloomed.	Adjectival -ki (Locative) Attached to the locative noun “bahçede”* (in the garden). It modifies the noun “ağaç” (tree), specifying *“the single tree that is located in the garden.”*
10. Onunkini beğendim, benimkinden daha iyi. I liked his/hers. It’s better than mine.	Pronominal -ki Both “onunki”* and “benimki” function as possessive pronouns. They replace singular nouns like “fikri” (his idea), “projesi” (her project). They stand for “the one belonging to him/her” and “the one belonging to me.” The accusative “-ni” and ablative “-nden” suffixes attach directly to the pronoun.
11. Yarınki sınav için çalışıyorum. I am studying for tomorrow’s exam.	Adjectival -ki (Temporal) Attached to the time word “yarın”* (tomorrow). It modifies the noun “sınav” (exam), specifying it as *“the exam that will happen tomorrow.”*
12. Şu anda yanımdaki telefon bozuk. The phone next to me right now is broken.	Adjectival -ki (Locative) Attached to the locative phrase “yanımda”* (next to me). It modifies the noun “telefon” (phone), specifying *“the specific phone that is currently next to me.”*
13. Bilgisayarımdaki tüm dosyalar silinmiş. All the files on my computer were deleted.	Adjectival -ki (Locative) Attached to the locative possessive phrase “bilgisayarımda”* (on my computer). It modifies the noun “dosyalar” (files), specifying *“the files that are stored on my computer.”*
14. Meğer ki her şey bir yanlış anlamaymış. It turns out (that) everything was a misunderstanding.	Conjunctive -ki A literary conjunction “meğer (meğerse) ki”. It does not modify a noun. It introduces a clause revealing a surprising fact or realization, meaning “it turns out that.”*
15. Okuldaki eski öğretmenimi gördüm. I saw my old teacher from school.	Adjectival -ki (Locative) Attached to the locative noun “okulda”* (at school). It modifies the noun phrase “eski öğretmenim” (my old teacher), specifying him/her as *“the teacher who is/was associated with the school“* (either currently working there or from my past school days).
16. Onların evi deniz kenarında, bizimki şehir merkezinde. Their house is by the sea, ours is in the city center.	Pronominal -ki Here, “bizimki”* directly replaces the singular noun “evimiz” (our house). It means “the one/thing belonging to us,” clearly referring back to “house” from the first clause.
17. Akşamki haber hepimizi üzdü. The evening news (the news in the evening) saddened us all.	Adjectival -ki (Temporal) Attached to the time word “akşam”* (evening). It modifies the noun “haber” (news), specifying it as *“the news that was broadcast/published in the evening“* as opposed to morning or noon news.
18. Dolaptaki son meyveyi de yemişler. They ate the last fruit in the cupboard as well.	Adjectival -ki (Locative) Attached to the locative noun “dolapta”* (in the cupboard). It modifies the noun “meyve” (fruit), specifying it as *“the fruit that is/was in the cupboard.”*
19. Öyle bir şey söyledi ki ağzım açık kaldı. He said such a thing that I was left speechless (my mouth open).	Conjunctive -ki Part of the structure “öyle… ki”. It is a conjunction linking the action (“said such a thing”) to its extreme result (“I was left speechless”*). It does not replace or modify a noun.
20. Sokaktaki gürültü yüzünden uyuyamadım. I couldn’t sleep because of the noise on the street.	Adjectival -ki (Locative) Attached to the locative noun “sokakta”* (on the street). It modifies the noun “gürültü” (noise), specifying it as *“the noise that is coming from the street.”*
21. Bundan iyisi can sağlığı. Nothing is better than this! (Lit: The better than this is health.)	Adjectival -ki (Ablative – Implied) In this fixed idiom, “bundan”* (from/than this) implies an ablative “-ki” structure. The implied full phrase is “Bundan iyi olan şey” (The thing that is good/better than this). It modifies an implied noun like “şey” (thing).
22. Televizyondaki program çok sıkıcıydı. The program on TV was very boring.	Adjectival -ki (Locative) Attached to the locative noun “televizyonda”* (on TV). It modifies the noun “program” (program), specifying it as *“the program that is being broadcast on television.”*
23. Sınıftakiler dışarı çıksın. Those in the classroom, please go out.	Pronominal -ki (Plural) Attached to the locative noun “sınıfta”* (in the classroom) and made plural with “-ler”. It replaces a plural noun which is inferred from context: “öğrenciler” (students), “kişiler” (people), or “bireyler” (individuals). It means *“the ones who are in the classroom.”*
24. Sabahki yağmur her yeri ıslattı. The morning rain (the rain in the morning) wet everywhere.	Adjectival -ki (Temporal) Attached to the time word “sabah”* (morning). It modifies the noun “yağmur” (rain), specifying it as *“the rain that occurred in the morning“* as opposed to afternoon or night rain.
25. Kalemim yok, şu çekmecedekini alabilir miyim? I don’t have a pen, can I take the one in that drawer?	Pronominal -ki Attached to the locative phrase “şu çekmecede”* (in that drawer) and takes the accusative suffix “-ni”. It directly replaces the singular noun “kalem” (pen). It means *“the one that is in that drawer.”*
26. Ankara’daki arkadaşlarımı ziyaret edeceğim. I will visit my friends in Ankara.	Adjectival -ki (Locative) Attached to the locative noun “Ankara’da”* (in Ankara). It modifies the noun “arkadaşlarım” (my friends), specifying them as *“the subset of my friends who are located in Ankara.”*
27. Müdürün odasındaki toplantı devam ediyor. The meeting in the manager’s office continues.	Adjectival -ki (Locative) Attached to the complex locative phrase “müdürün odasında”* (in the manager’s office). It modifies the noun “toplantı” (meeting), specifying *“the meeting that is taking place in the manager’s office.”*
28. Belki yarın gelirim. Maybe I will come tomorrow.	Fixed Word (Adverb) *“Belki” is a fossilized, indivisible adverb. It does not productively attach to a preceding word and does not modify a noun. It functions as a sentence adverb meaning “maybe, perhaps.”
29. Üzerimdekiler çok kalın, terliyorum. The clothes I’m wearing (the ones on me) are too thick, I’m sweating.	Pronominal -ki (Plural) Attached to the locative phrase “üzerimde”* (on me) and made plural with “-ler”. It replaces a plural noun like “giysilerim” (my clothes), “katlar” (layers). It means *“the things that are on me* (that I’m wearing).”**
30. O zamanlardaki teknoloji bu kadar gelişmiş değildi. The technology of those times (back then) wasn’t this advanced.	Adjectival -ki (Locative/Temporal) Attached to the temporal-locative phrase “o zamanlarda”* (in those times). It modifies the noun “teknoloji” (technology), specifying it as *“the technology that existed in those past times.”*

ÖRNEKLER

(vazo / çiçekler) → ______________ çok taze görünüyor.
The flowers in the vase look very fresh.
(sen / fikir) → Benim fikrim buydu, ______________ nedir?
My idea was this, what is yours?
(akşam / haber) → ______________ herkesi şaşırttı.
The evening news surprised everyone.
(çanta / kalem) → ______________ kırmızı mıydı?
Was the pen in the bag red?
(o / elbise) → ______________ çok daha güzeldi.
Hers was much more beautiful.
(duvar / resimler) → ______________ kimin yaptığını biliyor musun?
Do you know who made the pictures on the wall?
(biz / araba) → Onlarınki yeni, ______________ eski.
Theirs is new, ours is old.
(sabah / yağmur) → ______________ bütün sokakları ıslattı.
The morning rain wet all the streets.
(dün / ödev) → ______________ henüz bitirmedim.
I haven’t finished yesterday’s homework yet.
(bahçe / çocuklar) → ______________ çok gürültü yapıyor.

Masa… kitap nerede duruyor?
Where is the book on the table?
Sen.. araba.. hangi renk olacak?
What color will your car be?
Park… çocuklar nereye gitti?
Where did the children in the park go?
Duvar… resmi kim çizdi?
Who drew the picture on the wall?
Kutu….kalemler kaç taneydi?
How many were the pens in the box?
Yarın.. toplantı saat kaçta?
What time is tomorrow’s meeting?
Sınıf… yeni öğrenci kimdir?
Who is the new student in the class?
Buzdolabın…..süt neden bozuk?
Why is the milk in the fridge spoiled?
Tabak…. pastayı kim yedi?
Who ate the cake on the plate?
Çanta… için… anahtar nerede?
Where is the key inside the bag?
Dün…filmi beğendin mi?
Did you like yesterday’s movie?
Cebi… para yeterli mi?
Is the money in your pocket enough?
Vitrin… oyuncak çok pahalı.
The toy in the window is very expensive.
Bahçe… çiçekleri kim sula…?
Who watered the flowers in the garden?
Dolap… bardaklar temiz ?
Are the glasses in the cupboard clean?
Akşam… haberleri izle.. mi?
Did you watch the evening news?
Okul… problem.. kim çöz…?
Who solved the problem at school?
Oda….lamba … yanmıyor?
Why isn’t the lamp in the room on?
Sokak…. kedi kaç yaşın…?
How old is the cat on the street?
Mağaza… elbise çok güzel.
The dress in the shop is very beautiful.

————-

Dolap…. tabak… temiz mi?
Are the plates in the cupboard clean?

Okul… öğretmenler nerede?
Where are the teachers at school?

Bahçe… ağaç ne zaman dikil..?
When was the tree in the garden planted?

Rafta.. kitap… kim..?
Whose are the books on the shelf?

Televizyon… program sıkıcı …?
Is the program on TV boring?

Sokak… gürültü neden kesil…di?
Why didn’t the noise on the street stop?

Cadde….dükkan… kaçta açılıyor?
What time do the shops on the street open?

Geçen hafta… sınav zor muy..?
Was last week’s exam difficult?

Pencere… manzara harika.
The view from the window is amazing.

Araban… benzin bit….
The gas in your car has run out.

Üzerim… kazak çok kalın.
The sweater I’m wearing is too thick.

Akvaryum…. balıklar aç …?
Are the fish in the aquarium hungry?

Çocukluğum… anıları özlüyorum.
I miss the memories from my childhood.

Müzede…tablolar çok değerli.
The paintings in the museum are very valuable.

Gelecek yıl… planlar… neler?
What are your plans for next year?

Turkish Grammer