Question 1

Why do vicdansız and tutkusuz use different versions of the "without" suffix (-sız vs -suz)?

Accepted Answer

The privative suffix -sIz follows 4-way vowel harmony. The last vowel in vicdan (conscience) is 'a', so it takes -sız. The last vowel in tutku (passion) is 'u', so it takes -suz. Literally, these translate to "without conscience" and "without passion."

Question 2

Why does kadın have the accusative ending -ı (kadını) if the sentence says bir kadın (a woman)?

Accepted Answer

Normally, indefinite objects with bir don't take the accusative. However, the verb sevmek (to love) strongly prefers a specific direct object. Also, adding a descriptive adjective like tutkusuz before bir makes the object feel more like "a certain passionless woman." In Turkish, this makes it specific enough to require the accusative -ı.

Question 3

Could I change the word order to bir vicdansız adam instead of vicdansız bir adam?

Accepted Answer

You could, but it changes the nuance slightly. Vicdansız bir adam is the standard way to say "a ruthless man" in Turkish, putting the focus on the adjective. Saying bir vicdansız adam sounds more like "one ruthless man" or treats "ruthless man" as a single inseparable concept.

Question 4

What suffixes are making up the verb sevebilir?

Accepted Answer

It is made of the verb root sev- (to love), the ability suffix -ebil (can / to be able to), and the aorist (simple present) tense suffix -ir. Because it is in the aorist tense, it is asking about a general, timeless truth: "Can he love?" or "Is he capable of loving?"

Vicdansız bir adam tutkusuz bir kadını sevebilir mi?

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