Questions & Answers about Size sıhhat ve esenlik nasip ola.
Why is the verb ola instead of the more common olsun?
Ola is formed by adding the 3rd person singular optative suffix -a to the verb root ol- (to be/become). While the 3rd person imperative olsun (let it be) is very common for everyday wishes, the optative ola (may it be) is often preferred in formal, religious, or traditional blessings. It gives the sentence an elevated, sincere tone.
Why does this sentence use the dative size instead of a possessive like sizin nasibiniz (your destiny)?
The phrase nasip olmak is a compound verb that means 'to become a destined share to/for someone.' In Turkish, blessings or destinies are granted to a person, so the pronoun receiving the destiny must take the dative case (size).
I usually see sağlık for 'health'. Is sıhhat used differently?
Both words mean 'health,' but sıhhat is an older Arabic loanword. While sağlık is the standard word for everyday modern Turkish, sıhhat is heavily preserved in traditional well-wishes and set phrases. For example, you will often hear Sıhhatler olsun said to someone who just took a shower or got a haircut.
What is the grammatical subject of this sentence?