Learn Hardcore Turkish: Okul kapısı kilitli.

In Turkish, the present form of the copula (the verb “to be”) is usually omitted. Instead of saying “The school door is locked,” Turkish simply uses the adjective “kilitli” to indicate state, so the meaning is clear without an explicit “is.”

How is possession shown in "Okul kapısı"?

The noun “kapı” (door) takes the third-person possessive suffix “-sı,” meaning “its door.” Although “okul” (school) appears in its bare form without a genitive marker, the possessive relationship is understood because the suffix on “kapı” shows that the door belongs to the school.

Why doesn’t "okul" have a genitive marker (like “okulun”) in this sentence?

While the full possessive form would be “okulun kapısı,” it’s very common in everyday expressions and signs to drop the genitive marker on the possessor when the relationship is clear. Thus, “okul kapısı” remains an acceptable, concise way to indicate “the school door.”

What does the adjective "kilitli" mean and how is it used here?

“Kilitli” means “locked.” It functions as a predicate adjective describing the state of the door. In Turkish, adjectives can serve directly as predicates without an extra verb, so “kilitli” conveys that the door is in a locked state.

Why is there no article like "the" before "okul kapısı kilitli"?

Turkish does not use definite or indefinite articles like “the” or “a/an.” Whether something is specific or general is determined by context. In this sentence, even though the English translation is “The school door is locked,” Turkish simply states “Okul kapısı kilitli” without an article.