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Questions & Answers about Usta beton taşıyabilir.
How do we build the verb taşıyabilir from the dictionary word taşımak?
The verb stem is taşı- (to carry). Because it ends in a vowel, we need the buffer letter -y- before adding the ability suffix -abil (following vowel harmony). Finally, we add the aorist (general present tense) suffix -ir to show this is a general fact or ability. Since the subject is third-person singular (the craftsman), there is no extra personal ending.
Why is the ability suffix -abil here instead of -ebil?
The ability suffix has two forms: -abil and -ebil, depending on A-type vowel harmony. Because the last vowel in the stem taşı- is ı (a back vowel), it takes -abil. If the verb had a front vowel, like gelmek (to come), it would take -ebil (making it gelebilir).
Why isn't beton (concrete) written with an accusative ending like betonu?
In Turkish, you only use the accusative case (adding an ending like -u or -i) for specific direct objects (translating to "the concrete"). Because the craftsman is carrying concrete in general, not a specific batch we were already talking about, beton stays in its plain dictionary form and sits right next to the verb.
What exactly does usta mean?
Usta means a master, craftsman, or skilled worker. It is very commonly used in Turkey both to describe someone's profession and as a respectful way to address a tradesperson, such as a mechanic, carpenter, or construction worker.