Learn Hardcore Turkish: Parolayı değiştirin, lütfen; eski parola zayıf. - Please change the password; the old password is weak.

Because the password is a specific, known object, Turkish marks it with the definite accusative. parolayı = parola + (y)ı. Without the accusative (just parola), it would sound like change a password (any password), not the password.

What is the y doing in parolayı?

It’s a buffer consonant inserted when a vowel‑initial suffix follows a vowel‑final word. parola ends in a vowel; adding the accusative gives parola + y + ı → parolayı. If the noun ended in a consonant (e.g., kitap), no buffer is needed: kitabı.

Why is it -yı and not -yi/-yu/-yü?

Four‑way vowel harmony. The last vowel of parola is a (back, unrounded), so the accusative uses -ı: -yı. Quick guide:

Last vowel a/ı → -ı
e/i → -i
o/u → -u
ö/ü → -ü

Could I drop the accusative and say Parola değiştirin?

You can, but it means change a password (non‑specific). In most UI contexts you mean the known/your password, so the accusative is expected. Even more natural is the possessive + accusative: Parolanızı değiştirin (change your password).

Why is it değiştirin and not değiştir?

değiştirin is the plural/formal imperative, used for polite singular you (siz) or for addressing multiple people. değiştir is informal singular (du). For extra‑polite or very formal tone you may see değiştiriniz.

Who is being addressed by değiştirin?

It addresses siz (you formal or you plural). Turkish normally omits subject pronouns, but you could add Siz for emphasis: Siz parolayı değiştirin.

Where can lütfen go, and do I need the comma?

Common placements:

Lütfen parolayı değiştirin. (safest/neutral)
Parolayı lütfen değiştirin. (focus on the object)
Parolayı değiştirin, lütfen. (afterthought/softening) The comma is optional; use it if treating lütfen as a parenthetical aside.

Is the semicolon before eski natural? Should eski be capitalized?

Yes, a semicolon can link two closely related independent clauses in Turkish, just like in English. A period would be equally fine. After a semicolon, Turkish does not require capitalization, so eski in lowercase is standard.

Why is there no verb in Eski parola zayıf?

Turkish allows a zero copula in the present: noun/adjective predicates can stand without a verb. You could add the formal copula -dır: Eski parola zayıftır, which sounds more formal/general.

Is eski the best word here? What about önceki, mevcut, or geçerli?

eski = old (the former one)
önceki = previous (immediately prior)
mevcut/geçerli = current/valid For password‑change contexts, field labels often use Eski parola for Old password and Yeni parola for New password. For current password, you’ll see Mevcut/Geçerli parola.

Should it be parolayı or parolanızı?

If you’re telling the user to change their own password, Parolanızı değiştirin is the most natural: parola + nız (your) + ı (acc.) → parolanızı. The given parolayı is grammatically correct but less specific.

Can I use şifre instead of parola?

Yes. In everyday Turkish, şifre is more common for password. parola is also correct and often preferred in formal/official or UI texts. Note: şifre also means code/PIN/cipher, but context usually clarifies.

Does zayıf always mean weak? Is güçsüz okay?

zayıf means weak and can also mean thin/slight. For password strength, the standard pair is zayıf vs güçlü. güçsüz is grammatical but not idiomatic for passwords.

Can I say Değiştirin parolayı?

It’s grammatical but marked. Unmarked Turkish word order puts the object before the verb: Parolayı değiştirin. Moving the object after the verb adds focus/emphasis and can sound stylistically odd in neutral UI text.

How do I pronounce the ı in parolayı?

Turkish ı (dotless i) is a back, unrounded vowel. English lacks it; approximate it as a relaxed, short, muffled “uh” produced farther back in the mouth: pa‑ro‑la‑yı.

What’s the difference between değişmek and değiştirmek?

değişmek = to change (intransitive): Parola değişti (The password changed).
değiştirmek = to change something (transitive/causative): Parolayı değiştirin (Change the password).