In Turkish, you can easily turn an adjective or noun into a verb that means "to become" or "to get" that quality. This is especially useful when talking about processes of change, like simplifying your life or adopting a minimalist lifestyle.
The "Becoming" Suffix: -laş / -leş
To express a state change, attach the suffix -laş or -leş directly to a noun or adjective. This creates a new verb stem, which can then be conjugated for tense and person just like any other verb.
The suffix follows two-way vowel harmony based on the final vowel of the root word:
- Roots with back vowels (a, ı, o, u) take -laş.
- Roots with front vowels (e, i, ö, ü) take -leş.
For example, taking the adjectives for simple and easy, we can create verbs of becoming:
Here is how these state-change verbs are used in full sentences when talking about clearing out a house:
Clutter and Complications
This suffix is equally useful for describing things getting worse, harder, or more crowded. Notice how roots with back vowels take -laş.
Mental and Abstract Changes
Beyond physical environments, these verbs frequently describe mental states, shifting ideas, or abstract changes over time.
It is also heavily used to describe societal trends or growing detached from old habits, such as mindless consumption.
