Turkish grammar: iyelik ekleri

What this grammar point covers

In Turkish, possessive suffixes (iyelik ekleri) are endings added to nouns to show possession (like 'my', 'your', 'his/her', etc.). Instead of using separate words, Turkish attaches these suffixes directly to the noun.

When to use it

Use possessive suffixes when you want to say that something belongs to someone (for example: my book, your house, their car). In Turkish, you do not need a separate word for 'my' or 'your'; you just add the suffix to the noun.

Key forms

• benim: -im/-ım/-um/-üm (kitabım)
• senin: -in/-ın/-un/-ün (kitabın)
• onun: -i/-ı/-u/-ü (kitabı)
• bizim: -imiz/-ımız/-umuz/-ümüz (kitabımız)
• sizin: -iniz/-ınız/-unuz/-ünüz (kitabınız)
• onların: -leri/-ları (kitapları)

Examples

Tips

• The possessive suffix changes depending on vowel harmony. Check the last vowel of the noun to choose the correct form.
• Do not use a separate pronoun (benim, senin, etc.) unless you want to emphasize. Usually, just the suffix is enough.
• Remember to use the plural suffix (-ler/-lar) before the possessive suffix when talking about more than one thing (örnek: kitaplarım = my books).

Exceptions and edge cases

• With some body parts and family words (like 'annem', 'babam'), the possessive suffix is often used without a separate pronoun.
• Some irregular nouns may drop a vowel or change slightly when adding the suffix (örnek: 'göz' → 'gözüm').