Turkish is a fascinating language with a rich history and a unique structure that sets it apart from many other languages. One of the fundamental components of any language is its prepositions, which help to clarify the relationships between different elements within a sentence. Prepositions of time in Turkish are particularly important as they help to specify when an action or event takes place. Understanding these prepositions can significantly enhance your fluency and comprehension in Turkish.
In this article, we will delve into the prepositions of time in Turkish grammar, examining their usage, meaning, and examples to provide a comprehensive understanding for English speakers learning Turkish.
Common Prepositions of Time in Turkish
In Turkish, prepositions of time are used to express various temporal relationships. Below are some of the most commonly used prepositions of time in Turkish:
1. “de”/”da” (At)
The preposition “de” (or “da” following a vowel) is used to indicate a specific point in time. It is similar to the English preposition “at.”
Examples:
– Saat sekizde (At eight o’clock)
– Sabah saat dokuzda (At nine in the morning)
– Gece yarısında (At midnight)
In these examples, “de” or “da” is used to specify the exact time when an event occurs. Note that in Turkish, the preposition “de/da” is attached to the noun it modifies, forming a single word.
2. “den”/”dan” (From)
The preposition “den” (or “dan” following a vowel) is used to indicate the starting point of an action or event. It is equivalent to the English preposition “from.”
Examples:
– Saat beşten (From five o’clock)
– Ocak ayından (From the month of January)
– Pazartesi gününden (From Monday)
In these examples, “den” or “dan” is used to indicate the beginning of a time period.
3. “e”/”a” (To/Until)
The preposition “e” (or “a” following a vowel) is used to indicate the endpoint of an action or event. It is similar to the English prepositions “to” or “until.”
Examples:
– Saat yediye kadar (Until seven o’clock)
– Haziran ayına kadar (Until the month of June)
– Cuma gününe kadar (Until Friday)
Here, “e” or “a” specifies the end of a time period.
4. “ile” (With/By)
The preposition “ile” is used to indicate a period during which an action or event occurs. It can be translated as “with” or “by” in English.
Examples:
– Öğle yemeği ile (By lunchtime)
– Akşam ile (By evening)
In these cases, “ile” indicates the duration or period within which something happens.
5. “sonra” (After)
The preposition “sonra” is used to indicate the time following an action or event. It is equivalent to the English preposition “after.”
Examples:
– Yemekten sonra (After the meal)
– İşten sonra (After work)
– Tatilden sonra (After the holiday)
In these examples, “sonra” specifies the time that follows an event.
6. “önce” (Before)
The preposition “önce” is used to indicate the time preceding an action or event. It is similar to the English preposition “before.”
Examples:
– Yemekten önce (Before the meal)
– İşten önce (Before work)
– Tatilden önce (Before the holiday)
In these instances, “önce” denotes the time leading up to an event.
7. “boyunca” (Throughout/During)
The preposition “boyunca” is used to indicate the entire duration of a time period. It can be translated as “throughout” or “during” in English.
Examples:
– Gün boyunca (Throughout the day)
– Tatil boyunca (Throughout the holiday)
– Ders boyunca (During the lesson)
Here, “boyunca” emphasizes the continuity of an event over a specified time period.
Special Considerations and Usage Tips
Understanding prepositions of time in Turkish involves more than just memorizing their meanings. Here are some special considerations and usage tips to keep in mind:
The Role of Vowel Harmony
Turkish is a language that follows the principle of vowel harmony, meaning that the vowels within a word must harmonize to follow specific patterns. This principle affects the choice of prepositions. For instance, “de” becomes “da” following a vowel, and “den” becomes “dan” following a vowel. This ensures that the sounds flow smoothly within the language.
Examples:
– Ekim ayında (In the month of October) – “ay” (month) ends in a vowel, so “de” becomes “da.”
– Saat beşten (From five o’clock) – “beş” (five) ends in a consonant, so “den” remains “den.”
Combining Prepositions with Time Expressions
When using prepositions of time, it is essential to pay attention to the structure of the time expressions they modify. Time expressions in Turkish often include words like “saat” (hour), “gün” (day), “ay” (month), and “yıl” (year).
Examples:
– Saat ikiye kadar (Until two o’clock) – Here, “saat” (hour) is combined with “iki” (two) and the preposition “e” (to/until).
– Ayın sonunda (At the end of the month) – “ay” (month) is modified with the suffix “-ın” to indicate possession, followed by “sonunda” (at the end).
Contextual Clues
Context plays a significant role in determining the appropriate preposition of time in Turkish. The meaning of a sentence can change based on the preposition used. Therefore, it is crucial to consider the context to ensure accurate communication.
Examples:
– Sabah saat sekizde (At eight o’clock in the morning) – Here, “sabah” (morning) provides context, making it clear that “sekizde” (at eight) refers to the morning.
– Akşam saat yedide (At seven o’clock in the evening) – Similarly, “akşam” (evening) clarifies that “yedide” (at seven) refers to the evening.
Practical Exercises and Practice Sentences
To reinforce your understanding of prepositions of time in Turkish, it is essential to practice using them in sentences. Below are some practical exercises and practice sentences:
Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks
Complete the following sentences with the appropriate preposition of time:
1. Ders ______ saat dokuzda başlıyor. (The lesson starts at nine o’clock.)
2. İşten ______ eve gidiyorum. (I go home after work.)
3. Tatil ______ kadar çalışacağım. (I will work until the holiday.)
4. Gün ______ kitap okuyorum. (I read books throughout the day.)
5. Yemekten ______ elma yiyeceğim. (I will eat an apple before the meal.)
Exercise 2: Translate the Sentences
Translate the following sentences from English to Turkish:
1. I will meet you at three o’clock.
2. She left the office at noon.
3. We will travel to Istanbul in the month of July.
4. He works from morning until evening.
5. They will arrive after midnight.
Answers to Exercises
Exercise 1:
1. Ders **saat** dokuzda başlıyor.
2. İşten **sonra** eve gidiyorum.
3. Tatil**e** kadar çalışacağım.
4. Gün **boyunca** kitap okuyorum.
5. Yemekten **önce** elma yiyeceğim.
Exercise 2:
1. Saat üçte buluşacağım.
2. Öğlen ofisten ayrıldı.
3. Temmuz ayında İstanbul’a seyahat edeceğiz.
4. Sabah**tan** akşam**a** kadar çalışıyor.
5. Gece yarısından sonra varacaklar.
Conclusion
Mastering prepositions of time in Turkish is a crucial step toward achieving fluency in the language. These prepositions provide essential information about when actions and events occur, helping to create clear and precise communication. By understanding the meanings, usage, and contextual nuances of prepositions like “de/da,” “den/dan,” “e/a,” “ile,” “sonra,” “önce,” and “boyunca,” English speakers learning Turkish can significantly improve their language skills.
Remember to practice using these prepositions in sentences, paying attention to vowel harmony and the context of the time expressions they modify. With consistent practice and exposure, you will become more confident in using prepositions of time in Turkish, enhancing your overall proficiency in the language.
