Learn Hardcore Turkish: Annem bana her zaman öngörü sahibi olmam gerektiğini söyledi. - My mother always told me that I should have foresight.

This clause acts as the object of the main verb söyledi (told). It contains the content of what Annem (my mother) said and is set off as an embedded (indirect speech) clause marked by the accusative ending. It tells us that the advice pertained to the necessity of having foresight.

How is necessity expressed in the phrase gerektiğini, and why is it in the past tense here?

The expression comes from the verb gerekmek (to be necessary). In this sentence, gerektiğini is formed by adding a past tense marker (the -ti element) along with an accusative clause ending. It’s in the past tense to match the reporting verb söyledi, indicating that, at that time, it was necessary for the speaker to have foresight.

What role does bana play in the sentence?

Bana is the dative form of ben (I), functioning as the indirect object. It shows that the advice was directed to me, specifying who received the message from Annem.

Why is the non-finite form olmam used in the clause, and what does its structure indicate?

Olmam is the personal, non-finite form of olmak (to be) with the first-person singular ending -m. This form is used in embedded clauses like this to indicate that the obligation or necessity applies specifically to the speaker. It neatly ties the action (being far-sighted) to the speaker without requiring a full finite verb form.

How does the placement of her zaman affect the meaning or emphasis in this sentence?

Her zaman, meaning “always,” is placed right after bana to emphasize the consistency of the advice. Its position helps to underline that Annem always told me about the need for foresight, framing the advice as ongoing and habitual rather than a one-time remark.