The Similarity Suffix: -(I)msI / -sI
To describe something that resembles another object or texture, Turkish uses a suffix that roughly translates to "-like" or "-ish". Depending on the word, it takes the form -sI or -(I)msI (following 4-way vowel harmony).
Many nouns take the -sI form (-sı, -si, -su, -sü):
ipek(silk) becomesipeksi(silky)cam(glass) becomescamsı(glass-like)
| This old vase has a silky texture. | Bu eski vazonun ipeksi bir dokusu var. |
| Because it has a transparent and glass-like appearance, it is very valuable. | Saydam ve camsı bir görünümü olduğu için çok değerli. |
Other words, including shapes, take -(I)msI (-msı, -msi, -msu, -msü):
küre(sphere) becomesküremsi(spherical)
| There are strange patterns on this spherical box. | Bu küremsi kutunun üzerinde garip desenler var. |
Approximating Colors: -(I)msI and -(I)mtırak
When describing colors that aren't exact, use these suffixes to mean "-ish" (like "whitish" or "greenish").
Colors often take the -(I)msI form. If the color ends in a consonant, a harmonized buffer vowel is added (-ımsı, -imsi, -umsu, -ümsü).
| This whitish stone has a transparent appearance. | Bu beyazımsı taşın saydam bir görünümü var. |
| The appearance of imitation vases is usually pale and grayish. | Taklit vazoların görünümü genellikle soluk ve grimsi olur. |
Alternatively, use the suffix -(I)mtırak. It has the exact same meaning but is used almost exclusively with colors and tastes.
| The colors of the painting look pale and yellowish. | Tablonun renkleri soluk ve sarımtırak görünüyor. |
| Which of the appraisers will examine this greenish statue? | Eksperlerden hangisi bu yeşilimtırak heykeli inceleyecek? |
Examining Antiques
These approximation suffixes are particularly useful for describing the peculiar textures and faded colors of antiques. When an appraiser (eksper) examines items for an auction (müzayede), they will often note these nuanced details in their reports.
| The appraiser will examine all the antique items before the auction. | Eksper, müzayededen önce bütün antika eşyaları inceleyecek. |
| I wanted to buy an original painting, but they sold me an imitation. | Orijinal bir tablo almak istedim ama bana taklit sattılar. |
| They sold this pale, bluish carpet at the auction. | Bu soluk, mavimtırak halıyı müzayedede sattılar. |