Learn Hardcore Turkish: Su soğuk.

In Turkish, the present simple state of being does not require an explicit copular verb. So, Su soğuk translates directly to The water is cold with the linking verb is implied by context.

Why is the adjective soğuk placed after su instead of before it?

In Turkish, when an adjective functions as part of the predicate, it follows the subject. In Su soğuk, su (water) is the subject and soğuk (cold) is the predicate adjective. Placing the adjective before the noun (as in Soğuk su) would instead form a noun phrase meaning cold water.

Why doesn’t Turkish include an article like the before su?

Turkish grammar does not have definite or indefinite articles. Nouns appear without words equivalent to the or a, with context providing the necessary definiteness. Thus, su simply means water or the water depending on the situation.

What tense is implied in Su soğuk?

The sentence is in the present simple tense. It states a general, factual condition about the water. Even though the copula is omitted, the structure clearly communicates that the water is cold right now or as a general truth.

Is there a difference between Su soğuk and Soğuk su?

Yes, there is. Su soğuk is a complete predicative sentence meaning The water is cold, where soğuk serves as a predicate adjective following the subject su. In contrast, Soğuk su is a noun phrase meaning cold water, where soğuk is used attributively to modify su.