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Questions & Answers about Sen ne sanıyorsun?
Why is Sen used here if sanıyorsun already includes the word you?
In Turkish, the verb ending -sun already tells us the subject is you. Using the pronoun Sen is optional and is usually added for emphasis. It makes the sentence sound more direct, like asking What do you suppose?
What is the root verb of sanıyorsun and how is it built?
The root verb is sanmak, which means to suppose, guess, or assume. To make the present continuous tense (meaning it is happening right now), we take the root san-, add the time suffix -ıyor, and finally add the personal ending -sun for you.
Why is there an ı in sanıyorsun?
The root is san- and the continuous suffix is -yor. Because san- ends in a consonant, we need a buffer vowel in between them so it is easy to pronounce. Based on Turkish vowel harmony rules, the a in san- means the buffer vowel becomes ı, giving us -ıyor.
Can I use düşünüyorsun instead to mean What do you think?
They are often translated the same way, but they have a different focus. Düşünmek means to actively think, ponder, or use your brain. Sanmak means to assume, guess, or hold a belief. Sen ne sanıyorsun? is asking about someone's assumptions rather than their active thoughts.