Elon.io is an online learning platform
We have an entire course teaching Turkish grammar and vocabulary.
Questions & Answers about Etraf sessiz.
Why is there no case suffix on etraf? Shouldn’t it be etrafta?
In this sentence etraf is the subject in the nominative case, so it takes no suffix. If you said etrafta sessizlik var (“there’s silence around”), you’d use the locative -ta. But here you simply state “The surroundings are quiet,” so no -ta.
Why isn’t there a verb like is in Etraf sessiz?
Turkish drops the copula “to be” in present-tense descriptive sentences. The structure is Subject + Adjective and the meaning “is” is implied.
Can I add –dir to make it more formal or explicit?
Yes. Adding –dir (Etraf sessizdir) makes the copula explicit, adds formality, and is common in writing or formal speech. In everyday conversation you usually leave it off.
Why don’t we have an article like the or a before etraf?
Turkish doesn’t use articles. Nouns appear without the or a; context or other grammar indicates definiteness.
How do I say “very quiet” or “completely quiet”?
Place an adverb before the adjective:
• Etraf çok sessiz (“The surroundings are very quiet.”)
• Etraf tamamen sessiz (“The surroundings are completely quiet.”)
What’s the pronunciation and stress pattern of Etraf sessiz?
Etraf is pronounced [et-RAF] (stress on the second syllable), sessiz is [ses-SIZ] (stress on the second syllable). In IPA: /etˈɾɑf/ /sesˈsiz/.
How do I turn Etraf sessiz into a question?
Add the question particle mi after the adjective with vowel harmony:
Etraf sessiz mi? (“Is it quiet around?”)
What’s the difference between etraf and çevre?
Both mean “surroundings” or “environment,” but:
• etraf usually refers to the immediate area around you or something.
• çevre can be broader or more formal and is often used in environmental or scientific contexts.