Elon.io is an online learning platform
We have an entire course teaching Turkish grammar and vocabulary.
Questions & Answers about Acil durumda doktoru aramalısın.
Why is there no actual word for in or case like in English?
Turkish expresses “in” and “case of” by using a case suffix on the noun. Here durum (situation) + locative suffix -da becomes durumda, meaning “in the situation.” With acil (urgent) in front, acil durumda literally means “in an emergency.”
What does the -u on doktoru signify?
The suffix -ı/-i/-u/-ü marks a definite direct object (the accusative). Since doktor ends in o, vowel harmony dictates -u: doktor-u = “the doctor” as a specific person you must call.
How does aramalısın express necessity, and what are its parts?
Breakdown of aramalısın:
- ara- = verb root “to call”
- -malı/-meli = necessity suffix (“must/should”) → aramalı “must call”
- -sın = 2nd person singular ending (“you”)
Put together: aramalısın = “you must call.”
Why can’t I use the simple future arayacaksın instead of aramalısın?
Arayacaksın means “you will call” (just a future action). Aramalısın carries obligation: “you must/should call.” If you say arayacaksın, you’re only predicting the call, not telling someone they have to do it.
Why is there no article like a or the before doktoru?
Turkish doesn’t have separate articles. Definite vs. indefinite is shown by context and case endings. The accusative suffix -u on doktoru already makes it definite (“the doctor”). If you wanted “a doctor” (indefinite), you’d drop the suffix altogether: doktor aramalısın.
Why is durumda singular instead of plural durumlarda?
When making general statements like “in case of any emergency,” Turkish often uses the singular noun with a case ending. Acil durumda is the set phrase for “in an emergency.” Using the plural acil durumlarda would sound like “in emergencies (multiple specific situations).”
Why is acil placed before durumda, and why does -da attach only to durum?
Adjectives in Turkish precede the noun they modify, just like in English. Case suffixes attach to the noun (the head of the phrase), not to the adjective. So you form acil durum (“emergency situation”) first, then add -da → acil durumda.