Breakdown of Adam şimdi halter kaldırıyor olmalı.
adam
man
şimdi
now
olmak
to be
kaldırmak
to raise / to lift (physically)
Questions & Answers about Adam şimdi halter kaldırıyor olmalı.
How do we get the meaning "must be lifting" from kaldırıyor olmalı?
This combines two concepts. The continuous suffix -ıyor on the main verb shows an ongoing action, while the auxiliary verb olmalı expresses a strong assumption or deduction. Together, they form an epistemic continuous deduction meaning the speaker is strongly guessing that the action is happening right now.
Could we just say kaldırmalı instead?
You could, but it changes the meaning completely. Adam halter kaldırmalı means the man should or must lift a barbell as an obligation or recommendation. By separating it into kaldırıyor olmalı, you shift the meaning from an obligation to a logical guess about a present action.
Why doesn't halter take the accusative case suffix here?
Because the speaker is not talking about a specific, defined barbell. The man is lifting a barbell or doing weightlifting as a general activity. When an object is indefinite, it stays in its bare form and sits directly before the verb.
Is there a causative suffix hidden inside kaldırıyor?
Yes. The root originates from kalkmak, which means to get up or to rise. When you add the causative suffix -dır to make something rise, the k drops, resulting in kaldırmak, meaning to lift or raise.