Onun kitabı masada.

to be

Breakdown of Onun kitabı masada.

• kitap: the book
• onun: his
• masa: the table

Questions & Answers about Onun kitabı masada.

What is the role of onun in the sentence?

Onun is a possessive pronoun that means his or her. It explicitly indicates that the book belongs to someone, emphasizing the relationship between the owner and the noun.

How does the possessive suffix in kitabı work, and what does it reveal?

The word kitabı is formed by adding the possessive suffix -ı to kitap (book). This suffix shows that the book is owned by the person mentioned (or understood), effectively meaning his/her book. In Turkish, such suffixes are key to expressing possession without needing a separate preposition like in English.

Why is there no verb equivalent to "is" in the sentence Onun kitabı masada?

Turkish often omits the copular verb in simple present sentences, especially when stating facts like location or existence. In this sentence, the state of the book being on the table is directly conveyed by masada, so a verb equivalent to "is" isn’t necessary; it’s understood from context.

What function does the locative suffix -da serve in masada?

The locative suffix -da is attached to masa (table) to indicate location. Masada literally means "at/in/on the table", with -da specifying where the action or state takes place.

If the possessive suffix already indicates ownership on kitab-ı, why include the pronoun onun?

Including onun while also using the possessive suffix is a way to add emphasis or clarity. It makes the possessor explicit and can be used when the identity of the owner needs highlighting, even though the suffix alone often suffices in casual or clear contexts.

How does the word order in Onun kitabı masada differ from typical English structure?

Turkish word order often places the possessor directly before the possessed noun, and it relies on suffixes rather than auxiliary verbs or prepositions. In contrast, English uses a linking verb (is) and a preposition (on). Thus, while the Turkish sentence literally translates to "His/her book on the table," the implied linking and prepositional elements are understood through the use of possessive and locative suffixes.