Learn Hardcore Turkish: Mikrodalga fırını kullanmak kolay.

In Turkish, when a noun is definite and functions as the object in an action expressed by an infinitive, it takes a definite direct object suffix. Here, fırın becomes fırını with the -ı ending to indicate that it is a specific microwave oven. This suffix helps signal definiteness within the nominalized phrase.

Why is the verb kullanmak in its infinitive form rather than conjugated?

Turkish often turns verbs into nouns by using the infinitive form. In this sentence, kullanmak means “to use” and is combined with the noun Mikrodalga fırını to create a verbal noun phrase. This construction functions as the subject of the sentence, representing an action or process (i.e., using the microwave oven) without the need for a conjugated verb.

What type of sentence structure is demonstrated by Mikrodalga fırını kullanmak kolay?

The sentence is an example of a nominal sentence, where a verbal noun phrase serves as the subject and an adjective serves as the predicate. Here, Mikrodalga fırını kullanmak (using the microwave oven) is the complete subject, and kolay (easy) acts as the predicate. The sentence does not require an explicit linking verb (like “is”) because Turkish commonly omits the copula in such constructions.

Why is there no explicit word for “is” like in English?

In Turkish, the present tense often omits the copula (the verb “to be”) in equational sentences. The relationship between the subject and the predicate is understood implicitly. In Mikrodalga fırını kullanmak kolay, the descriptive adjective kolay directly follows the subject, conveying the meaning “is easy” without the need for an extra word.

How does this sentence illustrate the use of nominalization in Turkish?

The sentence uses nominalization by turning the action of using something into a noun. The infinitive kullanmak (to use) combines with Mikrodalga fırını to form a noun phrase that represents an activity. This approach is common in Turkish, where actions are often expressed as abstract concepts within sentences, allowing the speaker to describe characteristics or qualities of the action—in this case, that it is kolay (easy).