Learn Hardcore Turkish: Köpek, "buraya koş," diye havladı.

Diye is used to introduce direct speech. It functions much like the word “saying” in English by linking the quoted command to the reporting verb. In this sentence, it signals that the words before it (buraya koş) are what the dog communicated.

How is direct speech structured in this Turkish sentence?

In Turkish, direct speech is typically enclosed in quotation marks. After the speech, a comma is placed before diye, which leads into the reporting verb. Here, the structure is: subject (köpek), comma, direct speech (buraya koş), comma + diye, followed by the reporting verb (havladı).

What does buraya koş mean, and how is it formed grammatically?

Buraya koş means run here. The word buraya indicates a direction or destination (“to here”), while koş is the imperative form of the verb koşmak (“to run”). Together, they form a command.

What role does havladı play in this sentence?

Havladı is the past tense form of havlamak which means to bark. It serves as the main verb of the sentence, describing the action performed by the dog after issuing the command.

Why is there a comma after köpek and before the quotation?

The comma after köpek helps to separate the subject from the ensuing direct speech. In Turkish punctuation, it is common to use a comma in sentences with quoted material to clearly mark the transition between the reporting part and the quoted words.

How does this sentence exemplify the Turkish pattern for reporting direct speech?

The sentence follows a standard Turkish construction for direct speech. First, the subject (köpek) is stated, followed by the direct quote (buraya koş) enclosed in quotation marks. Then, diye is used as a conjunction to indicate that the preceding words are spoken, and finally, the reporting verb (havladı) concludes the sentence. This structure neatly separates the reported words from the narrative comment, making it clear who said what.