Elon.io is an online learning platform
We have an entire course teaching Turkish grammar and vocabulary.
Questions & Answers about Hisar şehri koruyor.
Why does şehir have the -i suffix?
In Turkish, a definite direct object takes the accusative suffix -i (with vowel harmony it can be -i, -ı, -u, -ü). That turns şehir (“city”) into şehri (“the city”) when it’s a specific object.
Why is there no “the” or “a” in the sentence?
Turkish has no articles like “a” or “the.” Definiteness is shown by context and case marking—here the accusative -i on şehri signals “the city.”
Why is the verb koruyor instead of korur?
Koruyor is the present continuous tense (“is protecting”). It’s formed from the stem koru- + -yor (progressive). Korur would be the simple present (“protects” as a general habit).
How do you form the present continuous in Turkish?
Take the verb stem + -yor. If the stem ends in a vowel, insert y (koru + y + or → koruyor). Then add the person suffix. For 3rd person singular that suffix is zero, so you just get koruyor.
Why doesn’t Hisar have a special ending?
As the subject in the nominative case, Hisar is unmarked (Turkish nominative has no suffix). Person is shown on the verb, so the noun stays plain.