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Questions & Answers about Ev gizemli.
Why is there no linking verb (like “is”) in the sentence “Ev gizemli.”?
In Turkish, the present tense copula “is” is typically omitted. This means that instead of saying “The house is mysterious,” you simply say “Ev gizemli.” The noun and adjective together imply the meaning without needing an explicit verb.
Why does the adjective “gizemli” come after the noun “ev” in this sentence?
In Turkish, when an adjective functions as a predicate (describing the subject as in a full sentence), it follows the noun. If you wanted to use the adjective attributively (directly modifying the noun), you would say “gizemli ev” (mysterious house). In “Ev gizemli,” the adjective is part of the predicate, describing the state of the house.
Why is there no definite article like “the” before “ev” even though it translates as “The house is mysterious”?
Turkish does not have definite or indefinite articles. Whether you mean “a house” or “the house,” the word “ev” remains the same. The context usually clarifies whether a specific house is meant.
Do adjectives in Turkish change form to agree with the noun’s gender or number?
No, Turkish adjectives are invariable. They do not change according to the gender or number of the noun they describe. “Gizemli” is the same regardless of whether the noun is singular, plural, masculine, or feminine.
Can the word order be switched to “Gizemli ev” and would that change the meaning?
Yes, you can say “Gizemli ev,” but the meaning changes slightly. “Gizemli ev” is used as a noun phrase where the adjective directly modifies the noun (i.e., “mysterious house”), often used before the noun. “Ev gizemli,” on the other hand, is a full sentence where the adjective acts as a predicate meaning “The house is mysterious.”