Learn Hardcore Turkish: Bugün ofise giderken, yolların serinletici esintilerle dolu olduğunu fark ettim. - Today, I noticed that the roads were filled with a refreshing breeze on my way to the office.

It combines “ofise” (the dative form of “ofis,” meaning “to the office”) with “giderken,” which is derived from the verb “gitmek” (to go) plus the –ken suffix. The –ken suffix forms an adverbial clause meaning “while doing” the verb. So “ofise giderken” translates as “while going to the office.”

Why is there a comma after “Bugün ofise giderken” in the sentence?

In Turkish, when an adverbial clause (or any introductory subordinate clause) comes at the beginning of a sentence, it is typically set off by a comma to separate it from the main clause. This clarifies that the time or circumstances described by the adverbial clause apply to the remainder of the sentence.

What is the role of “yolların” in this sentence?

“Yolların” is the genitive form of “yollar” (roads). The suffix –ın indicates possession, so it translates as “of the roads.” This shows that the following description (“serinletici esintilerle dolu”) refers to the roads.

How does the instrumental case work in “serinletici esintilerle”?

In Turkish, the instrumental case is formed by adding the suffix –le (or its variant –la) to a noun. Here, “esintiler” (breezes) becomes “esintilerle,” meaning “with breezes.” Combined with “serinletici” (refreshing), the phrase describes how the roads are full – that is, they are filled with refreshing breezes.

What does the structure “olduğunu fark ettim” convey in this sentence?

The phrase “olduğunu fark ettim” means “I noticed that … was.” The form “olduğunu” turns the preceding descriptive clause (“yolların serinletici esintilerle dolu”) into a noun clause, which serves as the object of the verb “fark ettim” (I noticed). This construction is common in Turkish when reporting observations or realizations.