Verbal Nouns in the Dative Case
Many verbs and adjectives in Turkish require their target or goal to be in the dative case (meaning "to" or "towards"). When this goal is an action rather than a physical place, we use a verbal noun combined with the dative case.
To form this, take the verbal noun suffix (-ma or -me), add the buffer letter y, and attach the dative case suffix (-a or -e). Depending on 2-way vowel harmony, this results in two forms:
- -maya (for verbs with a, ı, o, u)
- -meye (for verbs with e, i, ö, ü)
Intentions and Efforts
When you express an intention to do something (niyet) or strive toward a goal (çabalamak), the action you are aiming for takes the dative verbal noun ending.
Attitudes Towards Actions
Your attitude towards performing a specific action also uses this structure. Whether you are too lazy (üşenmek), eager (hevesli), or willing (gönüllü) to do a task, the task itself must be in the dative case.
Obligation, Permission, and Force
Words related to external pressures or rules also direct their focus toward an action using the dative. This applies when someone is obliged (mecbur), given permission (izin vermek), or forced (zorlamak) to do something.
Influencing Others
Finally, when you influence someone else's actions—such as convincing (ikna etmek) or encouraging (teşvik etmek) them—the action you are leading them toward takes -maya or -meye.