what is it?
Turkish marks direct objects differently depending on whether they are definite (a specific, identifiable thing) or indefinite (an unspecified one). When the object is definite, it takes the accusative suffix -(y)I. When the object is indefinite — typically a bare noun used in a general sense, or a noun preceded by bir — no suffix is added. The suffix has four vowel-harmonic variants (-ı, -i, -u, -ü) and uses the buffer consonant -y- when the stem ends in a vowel.
when to use it
Nouns with a determiner or demonstrative. Any noun made specific by bu (this), şu (that), o (that/the), or a possessive takes the accusative: bu evi (this house-ACC).
Proper names. Names of people and places are inherently definite and always take the accusative when used as direct objects. An apostrophe separates the name from the suffix: Osman'ı, İstanbul'u.
Pronouns. Personal pronouns (and other pronouns) are inherently definite and always take the accusative: seni (you-ACC), onu (him/her/it-ACC).
No suffix for indefinite objects. A noun preceded by bir, or a bare noun used in a non-specific sense, takes no accusative suffix: bir kitap okudum (I read a book).
formation
The suffix follows two-way vowel harmony based on the last vowel of the stem, and adds a buffer -y- when the stem ends in a vowel.
| last vowel in stem | suffix | example stem | accusative form | meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| a, ı | -ı / -(y)ı | kitap | kitabı | the book (ACC) |
| e, i | -i / -(y)i | ev | evi | the house (ACC) |
| o, u | -u / -(y)u | yol | yolu | the road (ACC) |
| ö, ü | -ü / -(y)ü | göz | gözü | the eye (ACC) |
When the stem ends in a vowel, insert -y- before the suffix to avoid two vowels in a row. For example: araba → arabayı (the car-ACC); Ali → Ali'yi (Ali-ACC).
examples in context
common pitfalls
Marking every direct object with -(y)I. The accusative is only for definite objects. Saying *bir kitabı okudum is wrong because bir kitap is indefinite. The correct form is bir kitap okudum — no suffix.
Forgetting the buffer consonant -y- after a vowel. When a stem ends in a vowel, the suffix cannot attach directly. *arabai is not valid Turkish; the correct form is arabayı. The same applies to proper names ending in a vowel: Ali'yi, not *Ali'i.
Omitting the accusative on proper names and pronouns. Because these are inherently definite, they always require the suffix when they are direct objects. *Ali gördüm and *sen seviyorum are both incorrect. The correct forms are Ali'yi gördüm and seni seviyorum.
Three sentences, graded here. Nothing is saved and no account is needed.
Dün parkta ___ gördüm. (Ayşe)
Fill in the blank with the correct form of the word in parentheses.