Ben kemerimi takıyorum.

I am putting on my belt.

Breakdown of Ben kemerimi takıyorum.

• ben: I
• takmak: to put on
• kemer: the belt

Questions & Answers about Ben kemerimi takıyorum.

Why is ben optional in Ben kemerimi takıyorum?

In Turkish, subject pronouns (like ben) are usually omitted because the verb ending (-yorum) already indicates the subject (“I”). Including ben simply adds emphasis or clarity (“I am the one putting on the belt”).

What does the suffix -im in kemerimi represent?

-im is the 1st person singular possessive suffix, so kemer-im literally means my belt. After that, you still need the accusative case marker.

Why is there an additional -i at the end of kemerimi?

That final -i is the accusative case marker for definite direct objects. You attach it when the object is specific (here, my belt). The sequence is: root kemer- + possessive -im + accusative -i → kemer-im-i.

How do you get takıyorum from the infinitive takmak?

1. Drop -mak: tak-
2. Add the present continuous stem -ıyor (vowel harmony with a)
3. Add the 1st person singular suffix -um
   Result: tak + ıyor + um = takıyorum (“I am putting on/wearing”).

Why is the vowel in -iyor an ı and not another vowel?

Turkish vowel harmony pairs back unrounded vowels with back unrounded suffixes. The root vowel in tak- is a (back unrounded), so the present continuous vowel is ı (also back unrounded). Hence -ıyor, not -iyor or -e­yor.

What tense or aspect does -ıyor express here?

It’s the present continuous/progressive. In context it means “I am putting on/wearing my belt right now.” Turkish uses the same form for ongoing actions and some near-future or habitual actions.

Could you say kemerimi giyiyorum instead of takıyorum?

No, not for a belt. giymek is used for garments like shirts, shoes, coats. Accessories—belts, watches, hats, earrings—are typically takmak (“to put on/wear” those items).

Is the word order fixed? Can you move parts around?

Turkish generally follows Subject–Object–Verb (SOV), but you can shift elements for emphasis:

• Ben kemerimi takıyorum. (neutral)
• Kemeri ben takıyorum. (emphasizes “I,” as opposed to someone else)
• Kemerimi takıyorum ben. (informal/emphatic placement of “ben” at the end)
  The verb almost always stays at the end.