Learn Hardcore Turkish: Dondurma tatlı.

In Turkish, the present tense copula is usually omitted. That means instead of saying “Ice cream is sweet,” you simply say “Dondurma tatlı.” The meaning is understood without explicitly including a verb such as “is.”

What is the grammatical role of “tatlı” in this sentence?

“Tatlı” functions as a predicate adjective describing the subject “dondurma.” In Turkish predicative constructions, adjectives come after the subject and there is no need for an additional linking verb. In this case, “tatlı” tells us that the ice cream possesses the quality of being sweet.

Could “tatlı” be interpreted as a noun meaning “dessert,” and if so, how do I know which meaning is intended?

Yes, “tatlı” can also be a noun meaning “dessert” in Turkish. However, context and word order provide clues: when used as a predicate following the subject without any additional markers or modifiers, it is understood as an adjective. In “Dondurma tatlı,” the structure indicates that “tatlı” is describing the ice cream as sweet rather than categorizing it as a dessert.

Is it acceptable to add the suffix –dır (as in “tatlıdır”) in this sentence?

Absolutely. Adding –dır to form “Dondurma tatlıdır” is grammatically correct and often used for emphasis or formality. In everyday conversation, though, omitting the copula is common, so both forms are acceptable depending on the context.

How can I change “Dondurma tatlı.” into a yes/no question?

To form a yes/no question in Turkish, you attach the question particle –mı (or its harmonized forms –mi, –mu, –mü) to the predicate. Thus, “Dondurma tatlı.” becomes “Dondurma tatlı mı?”, which asks, “Is ice cream sweet?”