Questions & Answers about Kesin geliyorum.
In this sentence, kesin is used adverbially and means “definitely/for sure.” Although kesin is primarily an adjective (“certain/definite” as in kesin karar “definite decision”), it commonly functions like an adverb in speech.
Kesinlikle is a true adverb and sounds a bit more formal/emphatic.
- Colloquial: Kesin geliyorum.
- More formal/neutral: Kesinlikle geliyorum.
Both are possible, depending on context. The Turkish present continuous (-yor) often covers near-future, planned actions, similar to English “I’m coming/I’m going.”
- Right now/on my way: If context makes it clear (e.g., you’re already en route), geliyorum = “I’m coming (now).”
- Planned/decided future: With a future time or in a planning context, geliyorum ≈ “I’m going to come.” Adding a time word removes ambiguity: Yarın kesin geliyorum.
Both work, but there’s a nuance:
- Kesin geliyorum suits near-future or an arranged plan (often in conversation).
- Kesin geleceğim (future tense) is a straightforward promise/commitment about the future and fits well in neutral or formal contexts, especially in writing or when the time is clearly future.
With a clear future time, both are acceptable: Yarın kesin geliyorum / Yarın kesin geleceğim.
Yes, but the aorist -r (gelirim) carries a slightly different feel: it can sound like a general promise/willingness or a confident prediction rather than a set plan.
- Kesin gelirim ≈ “I’ll certainly come (you can count on me).”
- Kesin geleceğim = a direct commitment to a specific future instance.
- Kesin geliyorum = an arranged/decided plan, often near-term.
Yes. Turkish usually drops subject pronouns, but adding ben emphasizes contrast or focus on “I”:
- Ben kesin geliyorum = “I, for my part, am definitely coming (even if others aren’t).”
Without ben, it’s a neutral statement.
Default placement is before the verb phrase: Kesin geliyorum.
You can also put time and other adverbs before the verb:
- Yarın kesin geliyorum.
- Kesin yarın geliyorum. (also fine, but many prefer time first)
Post-verbal Geliyorum kesin is unusual; it might work as an afterthought with a pause/comma: Geliyorum, kesin. In standard usage, keep kesin before the verb.
Use the negative of the same tenses:
- Present continuous (often for this event/plan): Kesin gelmiyorum.
- Future (clear future commitment): Kesin gelmeyeceğim.
Both are strong; Kesinlikle gelmeyeceğim is an even more forceful formal option.
Yes—kesin signals certainty. If you’re less than 100% sure, soften it:
- Büyük ihtimalle gelirim. (I’ll most likely come.)
- Galiba gelirim. (I’ll probably come.)
- Sanırım geleceğim. (I think I’ll come.)
- kesin: “definite/for sure,” common and somewhat colloquial as an adverb.
- kesinlikle: “definitely/absolutely,” more formal/emphatic.
- mutlaka: “without fail/necessarily,” strong intention/necessity: Mutlaka geleceğim.
- illaki: colloquial/regional “no matter what / come hell or high water,” can sound stubborn: İllaki gelirim.
Use either present continuous or future, depending on nuance:
- Kesin geliyor musun? (Are you definitely coming [as planned/near future]?)
- Kesin gelecek misin? (Will you definitely come [future commitment]?)
Both are natural.
- Kesin: ke-SIN (stress on the second syllable; “e” as in “bed”).
- Geliyorum: ge-LI-yo-rum (main stress typically on “li”; clear “i” sounds).
Saying it as one unit, the emphatic word often gets sentence stress: KESİN geLIyorum (to stress certainty).