The suffix lIk is a powerful derivation tool in Turkish. It transforms adjectives and nouns into abstract concepts, professions, containers, and tools.
💡 Phonetic Rule:
It follows 4-way vowel harmony ($I$), resulting in four forms:
$$(lık, lik, luk, lük)$$
Key Functions of lIk with Examples:
Function | Root Word | Derived Word | Meaning |
Professions | Doktor (Doctor) | Doktorluk | Medicine (the profession) |
Containers/Places | Şeker (Sugar) | Şekerlik | Sugar bowl |
Tools/Items | Kulak (Ear) | Kulaklık | Headphones |
Abstract Nouns | Çocuk (Child) | Çocukluk | Childhood |
Abstract Nouns | Hür (Free) | Hürriyet | Freedom |
Time/Duration | Yıl (Year) | Yıllık | Yearly / Annual |
Designation | Güneş (Sun) | Güneşlik | Sunshade / Curtain |
Clothing | Gece (Night) | Gecelik | Nightgown / Pajamas |
Practical Sentence Examples:
Ayakkabılık kapının arkasında: The shoe rack is behind the door.
Mutluluk paylaştıkça çoğalır: Happiness increases as it is shared.
Kışlık elbiselerimi hazırladım: I prepared my winter clothes.
İki kişilik bir masa lütfen: A table for two, please.