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Questions & Answers about Derste not alıyorum.
Why is it derste and not dersde?
The word ders (class) ends in a voiceless consonant (s). Because of consonant assimilation, the locative suffix -de (meaning in or at) changes its initial d to a t to match the hard sound. So, ders + de becomes derste.
The translation says notes, but the Turkish word not is singular. Shouldn't it be notlar?
In Turkish, when referring to the general action of taking notes, you use the singular form not. Adding the plural suffix to make notlar alıyorum sounds unnatural here because not almak functions as a set phrase meaning to note-take.
The verb alıyorum has the continuous suffix -ıyor (I am taking), but the translation says I take. Why is that?
Turkish frequently uses the present continuous tense for everyday habits and routines, much like the English simple present tense. Depending on the context, Derste not alıyorum can mean I am taking notes in class right now or I take notes in class as a habit.
Does almak translate exactly to the English verb take here?
Yes! The verb almak commonly means to take, to receive, or to buy. Just like in English, Turkish uses this exact same verb to form the expression for taking notes: not almak.