Learn Hardcore Turkish: Türkçede belirli nesneler -ı/-i eki alır; mesela interneti kullanıyorum. - In Turkish, definite objects take the –ı/–i suffix; for example, “interneti” means “the internet.”

It is an accusative marker that indicates the direct object is definite or specific. In Turkish, when you refer to a particular object—like “the internet” in this case—the noun takes this suffix.

Why are there two forms, –ı and –i, for the accusative suffix?

The existence of two forms is due to vowel harmony in Turkish. The final vowel of the noun determines whether –ı or –i (or even –u/–ü in other cases) is used, ensuring that the vowels within a word sound harmoniously consistent.

How do I know which form of the suffix to use with a given noun?

You look at the vowel in the noun that the suffix attaches to. If the vowel is a back vowel (like “a” or “ı”), you typically use –ı; if it is a front vowel (like “e” or “i”), you use –i. For example, since “internet” ends with a front vowel sound, it takes –i, forming “interneti.”

Why is the accusative case necessary in a sentence like “interneti kullanıyorum”?

Turkish requires the accusative marker for definite direct objects to signal that the object is specific. In the sentence “interneti kullanıyorum” (“I am using the internet”), the use of the suffix shows that you are talking about a particular, well-known internet.

Does this accusative marker rule only apply to borrowed words like “internet,” or is it used with all definite objects?

It applies to all definite or specific objects regardless of whether the noun is borrowed or native. Whenever a noun is a specific, clearly identified object in the sentence, it will take the appropriate accusative ending in Turkish.

Are there situations where I don’t use the accusative marker for the object?

Yes. When the direct object is indefinite or general, Turkish typically omits the accusative suffix. The marker appears only when the object is specific and definite.