Turkish grammar: ilgi zamiri

What this grammar point covers

The 'ilgi zamiri' in Turkish is a special pronoun used to refer back to a noun previously mentioned in a sentence, similar to 'whose' or 'of which' in English. In Turkish, it is shown by the suffix '-ki'.

When to use it

Use 'ilgi zamiri' in Turkish when you want to avoid repeating a noun that has already been mentioned, especially to show possession or belonging. It helps make sentences shorter and clearer.

Key forms

• -ki is attached to the possessive form of the noun.
• benimki, seninki, onunki, bizimki, sizinki, onlarınki

Examples

Tips

• '-ki' is written separately from the possessive suffix (benimki, not benim ki).
• Do not use '-ki' with nouns that do not have a possessive suffix.
• Remember that 'ilgi zamiri' replaces the whole noun phrase, not just the noun.

Exceptions and edge cases

• The form 'onunki' is used for both masculine and feminine, as Turkish does not distinguish gender.