Breakdown of Ben resimleri duvarda sıralıyorum.
ben
I
duvar
the wall
resim
the picture
-da
on
sıralamak
to line up
Elon.io is an online learning platform
We have an entire course teaching Turkish grammar and vocabulary.
Questions & Answers about Ben resimleri duvarda sıralıyorum.
Why is Ben used here? Do I always have to include it?
Turkish is a pro-drop language: the verb ending -yorum already tells you it’s I. You only include Ben for emphasis or clarity (e.g. to contrast with someone else). In everyday speech you can simply say Resimleri duvarda sıralıyorum.
What does resimleri break down into?
Resim = “picture”
-ler = plural (“pictures”)
-i = definite accusative (marks a specific, known object)
So resimleri means “the pictures” as a definite object that you’re arranging.
Why is duvarda used instead of duvara or duvardan?
Duvarda is the locative case, meaning “on/at the wall.”
- duvara (dative) would mean “to the wall” (direction toward)
- duvardan (ablative) would mean “from the wall”
How do we get duvarda? Why -da and not -te or -de?
Vowel harmony: duvar has a back vowel u, so the locative uses -da (back variant). The consonant stays d because the last sound of duvar is voiced.
What do the suffixes -iyor and -um on sıralıyorum indicate?
-iyor = present continuous aspect (“… am/is/are …ing”)
-um = 1st person singular (“I”)
Together sıralıyorum means “I am arranging/lining up.”
What is the root of sıralıyorum?
Root: sıra = “row”/“order”
- -la (verb-forming) = sıralamak “to put in order, to arrange”
- tense/person endings → sıralıyorum
Can I change the word order?
Yes. Turkish is flexible as long as the verb stays last. For example:
- Duvarda resimleri sıralıyorum. (emphasizes “on the wall”)
- Resimleri duvarda sıralıyorum. (neutral)
How would I say “I will arrange the pictures on the wall”?
Use the future-tense suffix -acağım:
(Ben) resimleri duvarda sıralayacağım.
How do I turn it into “Are you arranging the pictures on the wall?”
Add the question particle mı after the locative:
Resimleri duvarda mı sıralıyorsun?