Question 1

The lesson says we can use Noun or Genitive + adına. Why isn't there a genitive suffix on şahıslar here?

Accepted Answer

When adına means "on behalf of," it often links with a bare noun to form a general compound. You can use the genitive (şahısların adına) to make it sound strictly specific ("on behalf of the individuals"), but leaving the genitive off is extremely common and natural in formal contexts. However, remember that personal pronouns must always take the genitive (e.g., onların adına).

Question 2

How does the word adına literally translate to "on behalf of"?

Accepted Answer

It literally means "to the name of." It consists of ad (name) + -ı (the 3rd person possessive suffix, linking it to the previous noun) + -n- (buffer letter) + -a (dative case meaning "to"). So, şahıslar adına literally means "to the name of individuals."

Question 3

If I wanted to say "He is speaking on my behalf" instead, how does adına change?

Accepted Answer

You have to change the possessive suffix inside the word to match the person. "My behalf" is literally "to my name": benim adıma (ad + -ım + -a). The sentence would then be Benim adıma konuşuyor.

Question 4

Why use şahıslar instead of the more common word kişiler for "individuals"?

Accepted Answer

Şahıs is an Arabic loanword that carries a more formal, official, or legal tone than kişi. Because speaking "on behalf of" a group is usually a formal or professional act, şahıslar fits the elevated, serious register of this sentence perfectly.

Burada bu şahıslar adına konuşuyorum.

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