Masada iki tane bardak var.

There are two glasses on the table.

Breakdown of Masada iki tane bardak var.

• masa: the table
• iki: two
• bardak: the glass
• -da: on

Questions & Answers about Masada iki tane bardak var.

Why does Masada have -da? What does it mean, and how do I choose -da / -de / -ta / -te?

• -DA is the locative suffix meaning in/on/at.
• Choose the vowel by the last vowel of the noun:
  • Back vowels (a, ı, o, u) → -da: masa-da
  • Front vowels (e, i, ö, ü) → -de: ev-de
• If the noun ends in an unvoiced consonant (p, ç, t, k, f, h, s, ş), the d devoices to t:
  • park-ta, renk-te, öğretmen-de (ends with voiced n, so stays -de)

Does Masada mean “on” or “at the table”? When should I use masanın üstünde/üzerinde?

• Masada can mean either “on the table” or “at the table,” depending on context.
  • With inanimate objects like glasses, it’s naturally understood as “on (top of) the table.”
  • With people, it can mean “at the table” (e.g., Masadayız = We are at the table).
• To be explicit about “on top of,” use masanın üstünde/üzerinde. Üzerinde sounds a bit more formal.
• Colloquial speech sometimes says masa üstünde, but standard/safer is masanın üstünde.

Why is bardak singular even though there are two?