Informal commands (git, gel)

Finding the Verb Root

In the previous lesson, you learned that Turkish verbs in their dictionary form end with the infinitive suffix -mak or -mek.

To use a verb in a sentence, you almost always need its root. Find it by simply dropping the -mak or -mek suffix. For example, dropping -mek from gitmek leaves the root git.

Informal Commands

In English, we give commands using the base verb (like "Go!"). Turkish does the same thing: the bare verb root is the command form.

Use this bare root for direct commands to someone you address informally (a friend, family member, or child). Adverbs like "now" or "quickly" go right before the verb.

Adding "Please"

Even when speaking informally, a bare command can sound abrupt. Soften your request by adding lütfen (please), typically at the beginning of the sentence.

Objects and Locations

Because verbs always come at the very end of a Turkish sentence, any objects or locations must come before the command.