In English, we describe equipment by what it does or what we can do to it using words ending in "-ing" or "-able"—like a folding chair or a removable lens. Turkish expresses this habitual function or built-in capability using the aorist (habitual) participle.
The Aorist Participle Suffix (-(A/I)r)
To turn a verb into an adjective that describes an object's function, attach the aorist suffix to the verb stem. Depending on the stem's final sound and syllable count, this suffix takes the form of -r, -ar, -er, -ır, -ir, -ur, or -ür.
For example, from the verb dönmek (to turn/rotate), we get the adjective döner (rotating). From katlanmak (to fold up), we get katlanır (folding/foldable).
| This mechanism works with a rotating gear. | Bu mekanizma döner bir çarkla çalışıyor. |
| I carry a folding tripod while in the forest. | Ormandayken katlanır bir tripod taşıyorum. |
Passive Stems and "-able" Features
This structure is frequently paired with passive verb stems to describe something that can be manipulated, working exactly like the English suffix "-able".
If we take a passive verb like çıkarılmak (to be removed) or ayarlanmak (to be adjusted) and add the aorist suffix, we create adjectives perfect for describing specialized, modular equipment.
| The magnifying glass includes a removable lens. | Büyüteç çıkarılır bir mercek içeriyor. |
| The adjustable strap of the binoculars looks spotlessly clean. | Dürbünün ayarlanır kayışı tertemiz görünüyor. |
Using Participles in Context
Once formed, these aorist participles act just like standard adjectives. They sit directly before the noun (or before bir if the noun is indefinite). If the noun takes plural or case suffixes, the adjective remains completely unchanged.
| Folding devices always have a complex mechanism. | Katlanır cihazlar her zaman karmaşık bir mekanizmaya sahiptir. |
| When old, a folding magnifying glass is very useful for reading. | Yaşlıyken katlanır bir büyüteç okumak için çok faydalıdır. |