Breakdown of Maçta birbirleriyle kıyasıya kapıştılar.
maç
match / game (sports)
ile
with / by / and (linking nouns)
birbiri
each other / one another
kıymak
to harm / to sacrifice
kapışmak
to clash / to scramble for
Questions & Answers about Maçta birbirleriyle kıyasıya kapıştılar.
How does the -(y)asıya suffix work in the word kıyasıya here?
The root verb is kıymak, which means 'to have no pity', 'to sacrifice', or 'to be ruthless' (it also means 'to chop'). The -(y)asıya suffix means 'to the point of' or 'until.' Together, kıyasıya literally means 'to the point of having no pity.' It has become a very common fixed adverb meaning 'fiercely,' 'ruthlessly,' or 'mercilessly.'
What does the -ış suffix add to the verb kapıştılar?
It is the reciprocal suffix, which shows that an action is done to or with one another. The root verb is kapmak (to grab or snatch). When you add -ış to make kapışmak, it literally means 'to snatch at each other,' but it is widely used to mean 'to clash,' 'to brawl,' or 'to compete intensely.'
Why does birbirleriyle have a plural suffix (-ler) if the word already means 'each other'?
The base word birbiri already means 'each other.' However, when the subject is plural (like 'they' in this sentence), Turkish speakers very often add the plural suffix -ler to match, making it birbirleri. Then the instrumental suffix is attached (-(y)le, meaning 'with'). Both birbiriyle and birbirleriyle are completely correct and interchangeable here.
Is the word kıyasıya only used for physical fights like in a match?
No, it is actually used for any intense rivalry or struggle. You will very frequently see it paired with words for competition or struggle, such as in the phrases kıyasıya rekabet (fierce competition) or kıyasıya bir mücadele (a relentless struggle), whether in business, politics, or sports.
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