Learn Hardcore Turkish: Zaman sınırlı.

In Turkish, the present tense copula (the equivalent of is) is typically omitted. The sentence uses a subject (Zaman) and a predicate adjective (sınırlı) to convey the meaning Time is limited without needing an explicit verb.

What do the words zaman and sınırlı mean?

Zaman translates to time and sınırlı means limited. So, the sentence literally means time limited, which in natural English becomes Time is limited.

How is the adjective sınırlı functioning in this sentence?

Sınırlı functions as a predicate adjective. In Turkish, when an adjective follows the subject, it describes the state of that subject—similar to saying Time is limited. If it were used attributively (e.g., to describe a noun directly), it would appear before the noun.

Can this sentence be rewritten to include an explicit verb?

Yes. By adding the copula suffix, you can rewrite it as Zaman sınırlıdır. The suffix -dır is the explicit equivalent of is in English, making the sentence read more formally as Time is limited.

Why does Turkish not use articles like a or the in this sentence?

Turkish does not have articles. Nouns like zaman are used without a or the, and their meaning (whether general or specific) is understood from context. This is why zaman simply means time without needing an article.