Expressing Ability

01

The Positive Form: -abil/-ebil (Can)

This suffix is used to state that someone is able to do something, is permitted to do something, or that something is possible.

Vowel Harmony Rule

• Use -abil if the last vowel in the verb stem is a, ı, o, or u.
• Use -ebil if the last vowel in the verb stem is e, i, ö, or ü.

• Türkçe konuşabilirim.

  I can speak Turkish. (from konuşmak)

• Bu problemi çözebiliriz.

  We can solve this problem. (from çözmek)

Buffer Consonant 'y'

If the verb stem ends in a vowel, a buffer consonant y is inserted before the suffix.

• Araba kullanabilirim ama kamyon kullanamam.

  I can drive a car but I can't drive a truck.

• Odayı temizleyebilir misin?

  Can you clean the room? (from temizlemek)

• Biraz bekleyebiliriz.

  We can wait a little. (from beklemek)

02

The Negative Form: -ama/-eme (Can't)

To express inability, the suffixes -ama/-eme are used. These attach directly to the verb stem, replacing the standard negative suffix -ma/-me. You do not combine -abil/-ebil with the negative suffix.

Vowel Harmony Rule

• Use -ama if the last vowel in the verb stem is a, ı, o, or u.
• Use -eme if the last vowel in the verb stem is e, i, ö, or ü.

This form has a slight irregularity in the first person singular (I) and plural (we).

• Seni duyamam.

  I can't hear you. (from duymak)

• Bu akşam gelemem.

  I can't come this evening. (from gelmek)

• Onlar bu kadar yiyemezler.

  They can't eat this much. (from yemek)

03

Question Forms

To form a question, the question particle mi is added after the full verb, following its own vowel harmony rules.

Positive Question (Can you...?)

This is formed by adding the question particle to the positive ability verb.

• Bana yardım edebilir misin?

  Can you help me?

• Pencereyi açabilir miyim?

  Can I open the window?

Negative Question (Can't you...?)

This is formed by adding the question particle to the negative ability verb. It often expresses surprise or complaint.

• Daha hızlı yüzemez misin?

  Can't you swim faster?

• Neden bizimle gelemez?

  Why can't he come with us?

04

Different Meanings in Context

The ability suffix can convey several related meanings depending on the situation.

1. Ability / Skill

This refers to a physical or mental capacity to do something.

• Çok iyi piyano çalabilir.

  He can play the piano very well.

• İki saat su altında kalabilirim.

  I can stay underwater for two hours.

2. Permission

This refers to being allowed to do something.

• Artık gidebilirsiniz.

  You can go now.

• Bu parkta ateş yakamazsınız.

  You can't light a fire in this park.

3. Possibility / Prediction

This refers to something that might happen.

• Toplantı geç bitebilir.

  The meeting can end late.

• Dikkatli ol, düşebilirsin.

  Be careful, you can fall.