Learn Hardcore Turkish: Ben rahatım.

The sentence translates directly to I am comfortable. Here, ben means I, and rahatım is formed by adding the first person singular copular suffix -ım to rahat (comfortable), effectively conveying am comfortable.

Why is there no separate word for am in the sentence?

In Turkish, the linking verb (copula) is expressed as a suffix rather than a standalone word. In rahatım, the suffix -ım serves both as the indicator of the subject I and the equivalent of am, so a separate word for the verb am isn’t needed.

Is it necessary to include the subject pronoun ben in a sentence like this?

No, it isn’t strictly necessary. Turkish is a pro-drop language, meaning that subject pronouns are often omitted because the verb ending (in this case, -ım) already indicates the subject. The sentence Rahatım. would still mean I am comfortable, although including ben can add clarity or emphasis.

What exactly does the suffix -ım signify in rahatım?