Learn Hardcore Turkish: Yağmur yağdığında, ben evde kalıyorum.

Yağmur means rain, and yağdığında is formed from the verb yağmak (to rain) by adding the temporal clause suffix -dığında. This construction translates to “when it rains” or “whenever it rains”. The suffix attaches to the verb’s root (with a past-tense appearance) to create a time-dependent clause that sets the condition for the main action.

Why is the verb in the subordinate clause (yağdığında) in a form that looks like the past tense, while the main clause uses the present continuous (kalıyorum)?

In Turkish, temporal clauses that express general or habitual conditions often use a form that resembles the past tense. Although yağdığında appears past in form, it functions to mean “when/whenever”, referring to a recurring condition. Meanwhile, kalıyorum (I am staying) uses the present continuous to indicate a habitual action—implying that every time it rains, the speaker stays home.

Why is the pronoun ben explicitly included in the main clause, given that Turkish often drops subject pronouns?

Even though Turkish is a pro-drop language where the subject can be implied by the verb ending, including ben (meaning I) provides extra clarity and emphasis. For learners, explicitly stating the subject can make the sentence easier to understand and reinforces who is performing the action.

What role does the comma play in this sentence?

The comma separates the subordinate time clause (yağmur yağdığında) from the main clause (ben evde kalıyorum). This punctuation clearly distinguishes the condition (when it rains) from the result (I stay home), which is a common structuring method in Turkish.

How does the use of the present continuous tense in kalıyorum express a habitual action?

In Turkish, the present continuous tense isn’t limited to actions occurring at the very moment of speaking; it also conveys habitual or regular actions. By saying kalıyorum, the speaker indicates that staying home is a routine response every time the condition (rain) is met.