Adjective Suffixes (-lI / -sIz / -CI)
A1
Adjectives
These derivational suffixes attach to nouns to form adjectives indicating possession, absence, or association. Each suffix follows vowel harmony and integrates directly with the noun stem.
1. -lI (with, having)
Forms adjectives meaning “with,” “having,” or “characterized by” the noun.
Form
a / ı → -lı
e / i → -li
o / u → -lu
ö / ü → -lü
Examples
su → sulu
tuz → tuzlu
yağ → yağlı
renk → renkli
kedi → kedili
2. -sIz (without, lacking)
Forms adjectives indicating absence or lack.
Form
a / ı → -sız
e / i → -siz
o / u → -suz
ö / ü → -süz
Examples
tuz → tuzsuz
su → susuz
ışık → ışıksız
şeker → şekersiz
renk → renksiz
3. -CI (agent, affiliation, occupation)
Forms adjectives or nouns denoting professional role, habitual activity, or association.
Form
cı / ci / cu / cü
çı / çi / çu / çü
Examples
balık → balıkçı
kahve → kahveci
masa → masacı
oyun → oyuncu
Examples
• Tuzlu çorba geldi. — A salty soup arrived.
• Şekersiz kahve istiyorum. — I want sugar-free coffee.
• Balıkçı limanda. — The fisherman is at the port.
• Kahveci açıldı. — The coffee seller/shop opened.
• Sulu boya aldım. — I bought watercolor paint.
• Masacı geldi. — The furniture worker/seller arrived.
Notes
• All suffixes follow four-way vowel harmony.
• -CI appears in two consonant series according to stem-final assimilation.
• These suffixes derive adjectives directly from nouns.
Adjective Suffixes – FAQ (A1)
Q: What are adjective suffixes in Turkish?
A: Adjective suffixes are added to nouns to form adjectives that describe possession, absence, or association.
Q: What is the meaning of the suffix -lI?
A: The suffix -lI means “with,” “having,” or “characterized by” something.
Q: What is the meaning of the suffix -sIz?
A: The suffix -sIz means “without” or “lacking” something and shows absence.