Breakdown of Siz suçsuz adamı savunmalıydınız.
adam
man
siz
you (plural/formal)
savunmak
to defend
suçsuz
innocent (not guilty)
Questions & Answers about Siz suçsuz adamı savunmalıydınız.
How does the suffix -malıydınız break down to mean "should have"?
It combines the obligation suffix -malı (should/must) with the past tense suffix -dı and the personal ending -nız (you plural/formal). The -y- is a buffer letter between the vowels. Together, -malıydı expresses an unfulfilled past obligation: something that should have happened but did not.
Why is there an -ı at the end of adamı?
It is the accusative case marker, which marks the specific direct object of the verb savunmak (to defend). Because the sentence refers to a specific "innocent man" rather than just a general one, adam (man) takes the suffix -ı to become adamı.
How does the word suçsuz mean "innocent"?
It is formed by adding the suffix -suz (meaning "without") to the noun suç (crime, guilt, or fault). Literally meaning "without guilt", it translates perfectly to "innocent".
Is the pronoun Siz strictly necessary at the start of this sentence?
No, it could easily be dropped. The personal ending -nız on the verb savunmalıydınız already tells us the subject is "you" (plural or formal). Including Siz here just adds a little bit of emphasis.