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Grammar A2 • Infinitive Forms
Turkish Infinitive Forms: When to Use -mak, -mayı, or -maya?
Master the difference between Basic, Accusative, and Dative infinitives with clear rules and real examples.
3 Simple Steps to Choose the Right Form
1
Identify the Main Verb
Look at the main verb in the sentence. It determines which infinitive form you need.
sevmek (to like)
→ -mayı/-meyi
başlamak (to start)
→ -maya/-meye
subject position
→ -mak/-mek
2
Choose Case Ending
Based on the main verb, select the correct case ending for the infinitive.
Direct object
→ -mayı/-meyi
Purpose/Direction
→ -maya/-meye
Subject/General
→ -mak/-mek
3
Apply Vowel Harmony
Add the correct suffix based on the last vowel of the verb root.
a, ı, o, u
→ -mak, -mayı, -maya
e, i, ö, ü
→ -mek, -meyi, -meye
Example: yaz-
→ yazmak
Same Verb, Three Different Forms
Verb: okumak (to read)
Basic Infinitive (-mak/-mek)
Ben kitap okumak istiyorum.
I want to read a book.
Why -mak? After “istemek” (to want), we use basic infinitive.
Accusative (-mayı/-meyi)
Ben kitap okumayı seviyorum.
I like reading books.
Why -mayı? After “sevmek” (to like), accusative form is used because “reading” is the direct object.
Dative (-maya/-meye)
Ben kitap okumaya başladım.
I started to read a book.
Why -maya? After “başlamak” (to start), dative form shows purpose/beginning of action.
Verb: yüzmek (to swim)
Basic Infinitive (-mak/-mek)
Yüzmek sağlıklıdır.
Swimming is healthy.
Why -mek? As subject of sentence, use basic infinitive.
Accusative (-mayı/-meyi)
Ben yüzmeyi öğreniyorum.
I am learning to swim.
Why -meyi? After “öğrenmek” (to learn), accusative form because “swimming” is what’s being learned.
Dative (-maya/-meye)
Ben yüzmeye gidiyorum.
I am going to swim.
Why -meye? After “gitmek” (to go), dative form shows purpose/direction.
Verb: çalmak (to play)
Basic Infinitive (-mak/-mek)
Piyano çalmak zordur.
Playing piano is difficult.
Why -mak? As subject describing a general fact, use basic infinitive.
Accusative (-mayı/-meyi)
Ben piyano çalmayı biliyorum.
I know how to play piano.
Why -mayı? After “bilmek” (to know), accusative form because “playing” is the known skill.
Dative (-maya/-meye)
Ben piyano çalmaya çalışıyorum.
I am trying to play piano.
Why -maya? After “çalışmak” (to try), dative form shows attempted action.
Quick Reference Guide
| Form | When to Use | Common Verbs Before It | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| -mayı / -meyi | When infinitive is DIRECT OBJECT of the sentence | sevmek (like), istemek (want), bilmek (know), tercih etmek (prefer), öğrenmek (learn) | Şarkı söylemeyi seviyorum. |
| -maya / -meye | When showing PURPOSE, DIRECTION, or INTENTION | başlamak (start), gitmek (go), gelmek (come), karar vermek (decide), çalışmak (try) | Koşmaya başladı. |
| -mak / -mek | As SUBJECT of sentence or after modal verbs | (subject position), istemek (want), (general statements) | Yürümek sağlıklıdır. |
Infinitive Forms Quiz
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