Köprü sağlam.

to be

Breakdown of Köprü sağlam.

• köprü: the bridge
• sağlam: sturdy

Questions & Answers about Köprü sağlam.

Why is there no verb meaning to be in Köprü sağlam?

In Turkish, the copula –(y)dır/–dir/–tir (equivalent to is/are) is usually dropped in simple present‐tense statements. So Köprü sağlam literally means (The) bridge is sturdy, with the “is” understood rather than spoken.

How would I ask “Is the bridge sturdy?” in Turkish?

You insert the question particle mı/mi/mu/mü right after the adjective, matching its vowel harmony. Since sağlam has an a vowel, you use mı:
• Köprü sağlam mı? = “Is the bridge sturdy?”

How do I negate this sentence to say “The bridge is not sturdy”?

You add the negator değil after the adjective (no extra case ending needed):
• Köprü sağlam değil. = “The bridge is not sturdy.”

When would I ever use the full copula –dır instead of omitting it?

You might add –dır (often as sağlamdır)
• to sound more formal or written,
• to indicate certainty or a general fact,
• or when giving definitions.
Example: Köprü sağlamdır. reads like “The bridge is sturdy (as a general fact).”

If I want to describe “a sturdy bridge” instead of saying “the bridge is sturdy,” how do I position the words?

Adjectives come before the noun attributively. You’d simply reverse the order:
• Sağlam köprü = “(a) sturdy bridge.”
No extra endings are needed unless you add number or case.

How do I make the noun plural? “The bridges are sturdy”?

You put the plural suffix –ler/–lar on the noun. The adjective remains unchanged:
• Köprüler sağlam. = “The bridges are sturdy.”
If you ask a question: Köprüler sağlam mı?

Does the adjective sağlam ever take endings itself?

As a predicate adjective, sağlam does not get plural or case endings. Only the noun does. If you make it a substantive adjective (turning “sturdiness” into a noun), you can add –lık:
• Sağlamlık = “sturdiness.”

Can I add a demonstrative, like “this” or “that,” to Köprü sağlam?

Yes. Turkish demonstratives bu (“this”) and şu/o (“that”) precede the noun:
• Bu köprü sağlam. = “This bridge is sturdy.”
• O köprü sağlammış. = “That bridge is apparently sturdy.” (with the evidential “–mış.”)

Are there synonyms for sağlam I should know?

Yes, depending on nuance you might use:
• dayanıklı = durable, long‐lasting
• güvenli = safe, reliable
• güçlü = strong
Each has slightly different shade: sağlam stresses solidity and structural soundness.