Polite and Plural Commands
To give a command to a group of people, or to be polite to a single person (like a stranger), add a suffix to the verb root.
This suffix follows 4-way vowel harmony based on the root's last vowel:
- a, ı takes -ın
- e, i takes -in
- o, u takes -un
- ö, ü takes -ün
| Please stop here. | Lütfen burada durun. |
| Go straight on this road. | Bu yolda düz gidin. |
Verbs Ending in Vowels & Negative Commands
If the verb root ends in a vowel, you must add a buffer y before the suffix (forming -yın, -yin, -yun, or -yün).
| Please come, wait over there. | Lütfen gelin, şurada bekleyin. |
This buffer y is also required when making negative polite commands. Because the negative suffix (-ma or -me) always ends in a vowel, you simply add -yın or -yin to tell someone respectfully not to do something.
| Do not run, walk slowly. | Koşmayın, yavaş yürüyün. |
| Do not wait for a taxi at the corner. | Köşede taksi beklemeyin. |
Giving Directions
These polite commands are perfect for giving street directions. Combine them with local vocabulary to guide people around the city safely.
| Be very careful on that avenue. | O caddede çok dikkatli olun. |
| Stop at the corner and be careful. | Köşede durun ve dikkatli olun. |
| Please wait for a taxi at the square. | Lütfen meydanda taksi bekleyin. |
The Ultra-Formal Command (-InIz)
You might also see an even longer version of this command: -ınız, -iniz, -unuz, or -ünüz. This extra-polite form is mostly used in official announcements, public signs, or very formal writing.
| Please walk slowly on the avenue. | Lütfen caddede yavaş yürüyünüz. |