Learn Hardcore Turkish: Yağmur yağarken, yıkıcı damlalar sokakları ıslattı ve ben pencereyi açtım. - As it rained, destructive droplets soaked the streets and I opened the window.

In Turkish, the –ken suffix is added to a verb to form an adverbial clause that signifies an action happening simultaneously with another. In “Yağmur yağarken,” it translates as “while it was raining,” establishing the time frame during which the other events occur.

Why is the verb “ıslattı” not marked for plurality even though “yıkıcı damlalar” is plural?

Turkish verbs in the third person do not change form to reflect singular or plural subjects. Therefore, “ıslattı” is correctly used with “yıkıcı damlalar” (destructive drops) even though “damlalar” is plural.

What is the role of the suffix “-yi” in “pencereyi”?

The suffix “-yi” is the accusative case marker used to denote a definite, specific direct object. In this sentence, it signals that “pencere” (window) is the object of the verb “açtım” (I opened), similar to how “the” specifies a noun in English.

Why is there a comma after “Yağmur yağarken”?

The comma is used to separate the introductory adverbial (time) clause from the main clause, helping to clarify that “yağmur yağarken” sets the scene (i.e., “while it was raining”) for the actions that follow in the sentence.

How is the sentence structured, and why are different clauses connected with “ve”?

The sentence begins with a subordinate adverbial clause (“Yağmur yağarken”) that establishes the timing. It is followed by two main clauses: the first describes how the destructive raindrops soaked the streets, and the second tells us that “I opened the window.” The coordinating conjunction “ve” (and) connects these independent clauses, showing that the events are related and sequential within the same overall context.