Negative aorist adjectives (-mAz)

In English, we describe durable materials with suffixes like "-proof", "-free", or "un-...-able"—such as a non-stick pan, unbreakable glass, or a bulletproof vest. Turkish expresses these impossible traits using the negative aorist participle.

The Negative Aorist Participle (-mAz)

To turn a verb into an adjective that describes what an object never does, attach the suffix -maz or -mez to the verb stem (following 2-way vowel harmony).

For example, from the verb yapışmak (to stick), we get the adjective yapışmaz (non-stick). From paslanmak (to rust), we get paslanmaz (stainless/rust-proof). These participles sit directly before the noun they describe.

Indestructible Features ("un-...-able")

When paired with passive verb stems, -maz and -mez describe something that actively resists manipulation.

If we take a passive verb like kırılmak (to be broken) or bükülmek (to be bent) and add the negative aorist suffix, we create adjectives like kırılmaz (unbreakable) and bükülmez (unbendable) perfectly suited for discussing stress tests and product durability.

Compound Adjectives ("X-proof")

You will frequently see this participle combined with a noun to specify exactly what a material resists.

For instance, the verb geçirmek means "to let through" or "to permit passage". If you place kurşun (bullet) in front of it and add -mez, you create the compound adjective kurşun geçirmez (bulletproof). Similarly, ısı geçirmez means "heat-proof".