Breakdown of Patavatsız adam tatsızlık çıkardı ama biz onu duymazlıktan geldik.
o
that / he / she / it
adam
man
biz
we
gelmek
to come
Questions & Answers about Patavatsız adam tatsızlık çıkardı ama biz onu duymazlıktan geldik.
How does duymazlıktan geldik translate to 'pretended not to hear'?
This is the exact structure taught in this lesson: Verb root (duy-) + negative aorist (-maz) + noun-maker (-lık) + ablative (-tan) + gelmek. Literally, it translates to 'we came from a state of not hearing.' In Turkish, this formula (-mazlıktan gelmek) is the standard way to express feigning ignorance or pretending not to do something.
Why is it onu (accusative) before duymazlıktan geldik? Doesn't gelmek usually take a dative object?
While gelmek normally takes a dative destination, the object here is governed by the root verb embedded inside the phrase: duy- (to hear). Because you hear a specific person, duymak takes a definite direct object in the accusative case, making it onu.
Does this '-mazlıktan gelmek' structure work with other verbs too?
Yes, it is highly productive! You can apply it to most verbs to mean 'pretend not to [verb].' For instance, görmezlikten gelmek is 'to pretend not to see' (to turn a blind eye), and anlamazlıktan gelmek is 'to pretend not to understand' or play dumb.
What is the literal breakdown of tatsızlık çıkardı?