The İstek Kipi is used to express wishes, intentions, or to make suggestions. While it can technically be used with all pronouns, it is most commonly used with Ben (I) and Biz (We) in modern Turkish. It is the equivalent of "Let me..." or "Let's..." in English.
💡 The Basic Rule:
The formula consists of the verb stem + the optative suffix (a / e) + the personal ending.
1- Most Common Conjugations:
Pronoun | Suffix (2-way harmony) | Example (Gelmek - To come) | Meaning |
Ben (I) | -(y)ayım / -(y)eyim | Geleyim | Let me come |
Biz (We) | -(y)alım / -(y)elim | Gelelim | Let's come |
Important Notes:
Buffer Letter (y): If the verb stem ends in a vowel, use y before the suffix (e.g., Bekleyelim - Let's wait).
Special Verbs: For Ye (to eat) and De (to say), the e changes to i:
Yiyelim (Let's eat) / Diyeyim (Let me say).
Suggestions: The question form is very popular for making plans: Kahve içelim mi? (Shall we drink coffee?).
Practical Examples:
Bu akşam konsere gidelim mi? Shall we go to the concert tonight?
Yarın erken kalkalım: Let's wake up early tomorrow.
Acele edelim: Let's hurry.
Pencereyi açayım: Let me open the window.