Breakdown of Bugün deneme dersi ücretsiz.
olmak
to be
bugün
today
ücretsiz
free
deneme dersi
the trial lesson
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Questions & Answers about Bugün deneme dersi ücretsiz.
Where is the verb “to be”? Why is there no verb here?
In Turkish, present-tense “to be” is usually not a separate word in simple nominal sentences. The predicate adjective or noun at the end (here: ücretsiz) functions as “is.” You can optionally add the copular suffix -dir for formality or emphasis: Bugün deneme dersi ücretsizdir.
What are the roles of the words in this sentence?
- Bugün: time adverb “today.”
- deneme dersi: the subject (an indefinite noun–noun compound) “trial lesson.”
- ücretsiz: predicate adjective “free (of charge).”
Why is it dersi and not just ders? Is that the accusative -i?
It’s not accusative. deneme dersi is an indefinite noun compound. In such compounds, the head noun takes the 3rd-person possessive marker (-ı/-i/-u/-ü). Here it’s ders-i, which marks the compound “trial lesson.” This suffix can also mark true possession in other contexts, but here it’s just the compound marker, not an object marker.
Can I say Bugün deneme ders ücretsiz without the -i?
No. In a noun–noun compound, Turkish requires the possessive marker on the head noun. deneme ders is ungrammatical; use deneme dersi.
Can I add -dir to make ücretsizdir? What changes?
Yes: Bugün deneme dersi ücretsizdir. -dir adds formality and a declarative/“statement of fact” feel. It’s common in announcements and written notices. The core meaning is the same.
How does word order affect emphasis here?
The element immediately before the predicate is in focus.
- Bugün deneme dersi ücretsiz. Focuses “the trial lesson” (it’s the trial lesson that’s free today).
- Deneme dersi bugün ücretsiz. Focuses “today” (it’s today that it’s free).
How do I say it in the plural if multiple trial lessons are free?
Make the subject plural: Bugün deneme dersleri ücretsiz. You can also front the subject: Deneme dersleri bugün ücretsiz.
How do I negate it?
Use değil: Bugün deneme dersi ücretsiz değil. For a formal tone: Bugün deneme dersi ücretsiz değildir.
How do I say it in the past or future?
- Past: Dün deneme dersi ücretsizdi.
- Future: Yarın deneme dersi ücretsiz olacak.
Why not bugünde?
Time words like bugün, yarın, dün normally act as adverbs without a case suffix. bugünde (locative) would be unusual here; it suggests “on this very day/today as well” in special contexts. If you mean “today too,” write the clitic separately: bugün de.
Does this mean “the trial lesson” or “a trial lesson”? Turkish has no articles.
Turkish lacks “the/a.” deneme dersi will be understood as “the trial lesson” from context (e.g., a specific scheduled class). If you need to mark ownership, add a possessive: deneme dersimiz “our trial lesson.”
How would I say “There is a free trial lesson today”?
Use var: Bugün ücretsiz deneme dersi var. That states existence. The original sentence states a property of a known/specific lesson.
Where does ücretsiz come from? Is there a more casual synonym?
ücretsiz = ücret (fee) + -siz (“without”). A common colloquial synonym is bedava. Both mean “free (of charge),” but ücretsiz is more neutral/formal for signs and announcements.
Can ücretsiz act like “for free” with a verb?
Yes, commonly: Onu ücretsiz aldık. More formal: ücretsiz olarak (e.g., Onu ücretsiz olarak aldık.). In speech you’ll also hear bedavaya.
How would a school phrase “Our trial lesson is free today”?
Add 1st-person plural possessive: Bugün deneme dersimiz ücretsiz. For “your (plural)”: Bugün deneme dersiniz ücretsiz.
Is Bugün ücretsiz deneme dersi a full sentence?
Not in standard grammar; it’s headline-style ellipsis often seen on posters. A full sentence would be Bugün ücretsiz deneme dersi var or Bugün deneme dersi ücretsiz.
Any quick pronunciation tips?
- ü is a front rounded vowel (like French “u”).
- c is pronounced like English “j” (so ücretsiz sounds like “üjret-siz”).
- Final z in ücretsiz is voiced.