Learn Hardcore Turkish: Onun not aldığı defter, karışık görünmesine rağmen çok faydalı bilgiler içeriyor. - The notebook that he took notes in looks messy, yet it contains very useful information.

It means “the notebook in which (someone) takes notes.” In Turkish, the verb not almak (to take notes) is used in its reduced relative clause form as not aldığı to modify defter (notebook). Unlike English, Turkish doesn’t use an explicit relative pronoun (like “that” or “which”)—the clause comes directly before the noun.

What does karışık görünmesine rağmen translate to, and how is this concessive construction formed?

It translates to “despite appearing messy” or “although it looks messy.” The construction is formed by taking the verb görünmek (to appear) in its oblique form (görünmesine) and attaching the concessive phrase -ra rağmen (despite/in spite of). This structure expresses contrast between appearance and reality.

What role does the possessive onun play in this sentence?

Onun is a possessive pronoun meaning “his,” “her,” or “its,” depending on the context. It indicates ownership of the notebook. In Turkish, possessive pronouns typically appear before the noun they modify.

How does the verb içeriyor function in the sentence?

İçeriyor is the present tense form of the verb içermek (to contain). It states that the notebook contains very useful information. The -yor suffix here can express an ongoing or generally habitual state, highlighting a fact about the notebook.

Why does the relative clause appear before the noun in Turkish, unlike the structure in English?

In Turkish, relative clauses are customarily positioned before the noun they describe. This is why not aldığı comes before defter. English, by contrast, typically places the relative clause after the noun (e.g., “the notebook that…”), making this an example of a structural difference between the two languages.

Is the overall word order of this sentence typical in Turkish, and what effect does it have on the meaning?

Yes, it is typical. Turkish often places modifiers like relative and concessive clauses before the main clause. By starting with onun not aldığı defter and following with karışık görünmesine rağmen, the sentence sets up a contrast between its messy appearance and the useful information it contains. The main assertion comes at the end with çok faydalı bilgiler içeriyor, which is a common way to emphasize the point in Turkish.