The participle suffix -dIk typically creates relative clauses. However, some of these forms have frozen into everyday, standalone nouns that don't need a possessive ending.
Lexicalized Participles (-dIk)
To create a noun representing the object of an action, attach the suffix -dIk to a verb stem. This suffix follows 4-way vowel harmony (-dık, -dik, -duk, -dük) and consonant mutation (-tık, -tik, -tuk, -tük).
Two of the most common examples come from the verbs tanımak (to recognize) and bilmek (to know):
- tanımak
-dIk= tanıdık (acquaintance)
- bilmek
-dIk= bildik (familiar person or thing)
| I saw many acquaintances at the alumni association. | Mezunlar derneğinde çok tanıdık gördüm. |
Treating Participles as Nouns
Because these words are independent nouns, they take plural markers (-lar / -ler) and case endings just like any other noun.
For example, verbs involving physical connection or separation—such as sarılmak (to hug) and veda etmek (to say farewell)—require their targets to take the dative case (-a / -e).
| We hugged the old acquaintances with longing. | Eski tanıdıklara hasretle sarıldık. |
| Did you say farewell to the old acquaintances? | Eski tanıdıklara veda ettin mi? |
Conversely, when specific acquaintances are the direct object of a verb like anımsamak (to recollect), apply the accusative case (-ı, -i, -u, -ü).
| I recollected the old familiar ones and got a little emotional. | Eski bildikleri anımsadım ve biraz duygulandım. |
Toasting the Graduates
When gathering to reminisce, you will need the right vocabulary. To say "to raise a glass", use the phrase kadeh kaldırmak.
| At the banquet, we raised a glass for the acquaintances. | Ziyafette tanıdıklar için kadeh kaldırdık. |