Turkish grammar: Dolaylı nesne kullanımı

What this grammar point covers

The 'dolaylı nesne' in Turkish is the indirect object of a sentence. It shows to whom or for whom an action is done, usually marked with the '-e/-a' ending (dative case).

When to use it

Use the dolaylı nesne in Turkish when you want to indicate the person or thing that receives the result of an action indirectly. Common with verbs like 'vermek' (to give), 'göndermek' (to send), 'anlatmak' (to explain), and 'sormak' (to ask).

Key forms

• Noun + -e/-a (dative case)
• Examples: Ali'ye, öğretmene, okula, anneme

Examples

Tips

• Always use the correct dative ending (-e or -a) depending on vowel harmony.
• The indirect object usually comes before the direct object in Turkish.
• Some verbs require a dolaylı nesne even if it is not needed in your native language.