Word
Öğretmen merhametli.
Meaning
The teacher is compassionate.
Part of speech
sentence
Pronunciation
Course
Lesson
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Questions & Answers about Öğretmen merhametli.
What does merhametli mean and how is it formed?
Merhametli is an adjective meaning merciful or compassionate. It is formed by taking the noun merhamet (which means mercy or compassion) and adding the suffix -li, which turns the noun into an adjective that describes someone or something as possessing that quality.
Why is there no verb equivalent to "is" in the sentence Öğretmen merhametli?
In Turkish, especially with simple equational sentences, the copula (the linking verb that corresponds to "is" in English) is usually omitted. Hence, while the English sentence would say "The teacher is merciful," Turkish simply states Öğretmen merhametli without an explicit verb.
What is the sentence structure of Öğretmen merhametli compared to its English translation?
The sentence follows a subject-predicate structure. Öğretmen serves as the subject, and merhametli is the predicate adjective. In English, a linking verb like "is" is required between the subject and the adjective, but in Turkish, the relationship is understood without it.
Does Turkish use articles such as "the" or "a" in sentences like this?
No, Turkish does not have articles. The noun öğretmen can mean either "teacher" on its own or be interpreted as either definite or indefinite based on the context, unlike English which explicitly uses articles like "the" or "a".
Is there any agreement between the subject and the adjective merhametli in terms of gender or number?
No, Turkish adjectives are generally invariable. They do not change form to agree with the subject’s gender, number, or case. Merhametli remains the same regardless of whether the subject is singular or plural.
How does the position of adjectives differ when used predicatively versus attributively in Turkish?
When adjectives are used predicatively, as in Öğretmen merhametli, they follow the subject and form a complete equational statement without a linking verb. When used attributively, adjectives are placed before the noun—for example, merhametli öğretmen means "merciful teacher".