How to Use Turkish Prepositions Like a Native Speaker

If you’re learning Turkish, you’ve probably noticed that instead of prepositions like in English (e.g., "on," "under," "with"), Turkish uses "postpositions."

Unlike English prepositions, postpositions come "after" the noun or pronoun they modify. Mastering Turkish postpositions is key to sounding more natural and fluent.

LEARN HOW TO USE TURKISH PREPOSITIONS (Postpositions)!

In this guide, we’ll break down what postpositions are, categorize them, and give you practical examples to use them like a native speaker.

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What Are Postpositions?

Postpositions are words that help indicate relationships between nouns, pronouns, and verbs. In Turkish, they follow the word they relate to and often require specific case endings (such as dative, accusative, or ablative).

Common Types of Turkish Postpositions

Postpositions in Turkish generally fall into three main categories:

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1. Simple Postpositions (Take the nominative case)

These postpositions don’t require any special case endings on the noun they follow.

gibi = like, as

Ben senin gibi çalışkan bir öğrenci görmedim. I haven't seen a hardworking student like you.

için = for

Bu hediye senin için. This gift is for you.

kadar = as much as, until

Ben sabaha kadar ders çalıştım. I studied until the morning.

2. Postpositions That Require the Dative Case (-e/-a)

These postpositions indicate direction, purpose, or reference.

- e doğru = toward

Ben eve doğru yürüdüm. I walked toward the house.

- e göre = according to

Cem'e göre bu film çok güzel. According to Cem, this movie is very good.

- e karşı = against, opposite

Ben bu fikre karşıyım. I am against this idea.

3. Postpositions That Require the Ablative Case (-den/-dan)

These postpositions often indicate separation, comparison, or cause.

- den önce = before

Ben dersten önce kahve içtim. I drank coffee before class.

- den sonra = after

Yemekten sonra yürüyüş yapalım mı? Shall we take a walk after the meal.

- den beri = since

Ben dünden beri seni bekliyorum. I’ve been waiting for you since yesterday.

How to Sound More Natural with Postpositions

Here are some tips to use postpositions like a native:

1. Pay Attention to Case Endings Each postposition requires a specific case ending. Practice them with different words to get comfortable.
2. Listen to Native Speakers Watch Turkish movies or listen to podcasts to hear postpositions in context.
3. Use Them in Daily Conversations Even simple sentences like “İşten sonra ne yapıyorsun? (What are you doing after work?)" can reinforce their usage.
4. Practice with Set Phrases Some postpositions appear in fixed expressions. Memorizing these can help: "Bana göre (According to me), Senin için (For you), Doğduğumdan beri (Since I was born), etc"

Turkish postpositions may seem tricky at first, but with regular practice and exposure, you’ll start using them naturally. By mastering these little words, you’ll be one step closer to speaking Turkish like a native!

Have any questions or favorite postposition phrases? Share them in the comments below!

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