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Breakdown of Defter eski, yenisini istiyorum.
olmak
to be
istemek
to want
eski
old
defter
the notebook
yenisi
the new one
Questions & Answers about Defter eski, yenisini istiyorum.
What does yenisini literally mean, and how is it formed?
It’s a compact way to say the new one (of it). Morphology:
- yeni = new
- -si = 3rd‑person possessive used here to turn the adjective into a noun-like word: yenisi = the new one
- -n(i) = accusative case (with buffer n after a possessive): yenisini = the new one (as a specific direct object)
The -si doesn’t indicate real ownership; it’s a common way to substantivize adjectives in Turkish.
Why is yenisini in the accusative case?
Because istemek (to want) takes the accusative when the object is specific/definite. Yenisini istiyorum means I want the new one (a specific thing understood from context). If you mean an indefinite item, you’d say yeni bir defter istiyorum (I want a new notebook), which has no accusative on the object.
Can I just say yeni istiyorum?
Not by itself. Yeni is an adjective; you either:
- name the noun: yeni bir defter istiyorum (I want a new notebook), or
- turn the adjective into a noun-like form: yenisini istiyorum (I want the new one), or
- use a generic one: yeni bir tane istiyorum (I want a new one), or
- say it more explicitly: yeni olanını istiyorum (I want the one that is new).
What does the comma do in Defter eski, yenisini istiyorum? Could I use çünkü?
The comma separates two simple clauses and implies a reason/contrast: The notebook is old, so I want a new one. You can make the link explicit:
- Defter eski, bu yüzden yenisini istiyorum.
- Defter eski olduğu için yenisini istiyorum.
- Defter eski, o yüzden yenisini istiyorum.
Why is there no verb meaning is in Defter eski?
Turkish uses a zero copula in the simple present for nominal sentences. Defter eski corresponds to The notebook is old. For variations:
- Negative: Defter eski değil.
- Question: Defter eski mi?
- More formal/assertive: Defter eskidir.
What nuance does -dir add in Defter eskidir?
The suffix -dir adds formality, general truth, or inference (it can sound like you’re concluding or stating a known fact). In everyday speech, people usually just say Defter eski.
Why istiyorum and not isterim?
- istiyorum (present continuous) is the normal way to express a current desire: I want (now).
- isterim (aorist) tends to express general preference/habit or a polite, somewhat detached offer/request. In a restaurant you’ll typically say … istiyorum, not … isterim.
Does the -si in yenisi mean its, like possession? Is there gender?
It’s the 3rd‑person possessive form, but here it functions mainly as a pronominalizer, turning an adjective into something like the one that is new. Turkish has no grammatical gender; -si is not gendered.
How would I say it with a plural noun: The notebooks are old; I want new ones?
Defterler eski, yenilerini istiyorum. Here yenilerini = yeni-ler-i-n(i) (new + plural + pronominalizer + accusative). It means the new ones (of them), again referring back to the understood set of notebooks.
Can I add a pronoun like onun or onu?
- Onun yenisini istiyorum = I want its new one (explicitly linking to a previously mentioned item).
- Onu istiyorum = I want it (no mention of new).
In your sentence, Yenisini istiyorum already encodes the idea of new one tied to the context.
Can I drop the accusative and say yenisi istiyorum?
It’s best not to. Since you mean a specific, identifiable object, standard Turkish marks it with the accusative: yenisini istiyorum. If you mean an indefinite item, switch to yeni bir defter istiyorum or yeni bir tane istiyorum.
How is yenisini pronounced, and what are the buffer letters?
- Syllables: ye-ni-si-ni.
- Buffers: s appears between a vowel-final stem (yeni) and the possessive -i → yeni-si; n appears between the possessive and a case ending → yenisi-ni.
- Vowel harmony gives the final -i (front vowel) here.
- Main stress in finite verbs is typically on the last syllable: istiyorúm; the words defter and eski carry normal Turkish word-final stress patterns.
Is there a more explicit way to say the one that is new?
Yes: yeni olanını istiyorum literally the one that is new (accusative). It’s a bit more formal/emphatic than yenisini.
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