Breakdown of Normalde geç gelmem, ama bugün trafik yüzünden geciktim; özür dilerim.
bugün
today
gelmek
to come
ama
but
geç
late
Questions & Answers about Normalde geç gelmem, ama bugün trafik yüzünden geciktim; özür dilerim.
What does “geç gelmem” express, and how is it different from “geciktim”?
“Geç gelmem” is the aorist (habitual) negative: “I don’t (normally) come late.” “Geciktim” is simple past: “I was delayed / I got delayed (today).” Together: a general habit contrasted with a one-time exception.
How is “gelmem” formed morphologically?
It’s gel- (come) + -me (negative aorist) + -m (1st person). Affirmative aorist would be “gelirim” (I come/I usually come). So “geç gelmem” = “I don’t come late (as a rule).”
Why not “geç gelmiyorum” instead of “geç gelmem”?
“Gelmiyorum” is present continuous: “I’m not coming (late) [now/these days].” The aorist “gelmem” states a general, timeless habit. With “Normalde,” the aorist is the natural choice.
What exactly does “yüzünden” mean and how do I use it?
“Yüzünden” is a postposition meaning “because of / due to,” often with a negative or blaming nuance. With nouns you typically say: “X yüzünden” (e.g., “trafik yüzünden”). With pronouns you must use the genitive + possessed form: “benim yüzümden, senin yüzünden, onun yüzünden,” etc.
Is “yüzünden” always negative? What if the cause is positive?
It usually carries a negative/blame flavor. For positive causes, use “sayesinde” (thanks to): “Trafik azdı, bu sayede erken geldim.”
Could I say “trafikten dolayı” or “trafik nedeniyle” instead of “trafik yüzünden”?