Two grammatical genders: masculine and feminine
Two grammatical genders: masculine and feminine
Can identify and use masculine and feminine gender in nouns
Look at these examples. Can you spot the grammar pattern?
Xwişka min li Stenbolê ye.
My sister is in Istanbul.
Bavê min mamoste ye.
My father is a teacher.
Mala me mezin e.
Our house is big.
Pay attention to the highlighted parts. What do they have in common?
Di Kurmancî de du zayend hene — nêr (masculine) û mê (feminine):
| Zayend | Mînak | Nîşane |
|---|---|---|
| Nêr (m) | bav (father), bira (brother), dar (tree) | Rewşa berê: -î |
| Mê (f) | dê (mother), xwişk (sister), mal (house) | Rewşa berê: -ê |
Zayend li ser dengdêra îzafe tê dîtin: bavê min (my father, m) vs mala min (my house, f).
Common Error Patterns
Error with Two grammatical genders: masculine and feminine
Review the rules for Zayend
Xwişka min li Stenbolê ye.
My sister is in Istanbul.
Xwişka = sister-of (f izafe -a). Li = in. Stenbolê = Istanbul (oblique).
Bavê min mamoste ye.
My father is a teacher.
Bavê = father-of (masculine izafe -ê). Min = my.
Mala me mezin e.
Our house is big.
Mala = house-of (feminine izafe -a). Me = our. Mezin = big.
Practice in course
Apply this grammar in A1 course exercises