What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of Türkçe (Turkish language), öğren- (the verb root for learn) and the suffix -iyorum (the present continuous first-person singular marker).
Which one should you use?
Türkçe öğreniyorum implies a continuous process (I am currently in the process of learning), whereas Türkçe öğrendim would mean 'I learned Turkish' (a completed action).
How does it change in a sentence?
Because the verb ending -iyorum already contains the first-person singular subject 'I', the pronoun Ben (I) is grammatically optional and often omitted in natural speech.
How do you pronounce it?
/tyɾktʃe øːɾenijoɾum/. The sounds are as follows: /ɾ/ is like the [t] in AmE atom, /k/ is like the [c] in core, /tʃ/ is like the [ch] in change, /n/ is like the [n] in not, /i/ is like the [ee] in creek, /j/ is like the [y] in yes, /u/ is like the [oo] in cool and /m/ is like the [m] in much.
Did you know?
- If you say Türkçe öğreniyorum to a native speaker, they may reply Kolay gelsin, which literally means 'may it come easy to you'.
- The suffix -çe in Türkçe is used for many languages, but it can also create words for specific styles of speech, such as bebekçe for 'baby talk'.
- A native speaker might reply to Türkçe öğreniyorum with Aferin, meaning 'bravo' or 'well done'.
Examples in context
- Türkçe öğreniyorum.I am learning Turkish.Tatoeba #2010996 by duran, translation #860098 by piksea
- Türkçe öğreniyorum. Yarın sınavım var.I am learning Turkish. I have an exam tomorrow.
- Türkçe öğrenmekteyim. Size danışmak istiyorum.I am learning Turkish. I would like to ask you for advice.
- Türkçe öğreniyorum ya! Çok heyecanlıyım!I am learning Turkish! I am so excited!
- Biraz Türkçe öğreniyorum.I am learning a little Turkish.
Example conversation
Elif and Can are meeting at a cafe.
- ElifMerhaba Can, nasılsın?Hello Can, how are you?
- Canİyiyim Elif, sen neler yapıyorsun?I am fine Elif, what are you doing?
- ElifŞu an Türkçe öğreniyorum.Right now, I am learning Turkish.
- CanHarika, çok başarılı olacaksın!Great, you will be very successful!
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Turkish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
