Edebilmek

Edebilmek is a Turkish verb form meaning “to be able to do something” or “to be capable of.” It functions as a modal-like auxiliary when paired with another verb to express ability or possibility. The infinitive edebilmek is formed by adding the potential suffix -ebil- (with two vowel-harmony forms -ebil- and -abil- depending on the stem’s vowels) to the main verb stem, followed by the infinitive ending -mek. For example: yapabilmek (to be able to do), görebilmek (to be able to see), gidebilmek (to be able to go).

Conjugation and usage: When combined with a main verb, edebilmek yields a phrase meaning “to be able to [do].” In the present tense it takes regular Turkish personal endings: yapabilirim (I can do), yapabilirsin (you can do), yapabilir (he/she/it can). Negation is formed with -m-/-ma: yapamam, yapamazsın. The past tense expresses ability in the past: yapabildim, yapabildin. The future and conditional can be expressed with forms like yapabileceğim (I will be able to do) or yapabilirsem (if I can do).

Notes on use: Edebilmek describes capability under given circumstances and is not strictly about permission. It often appears with other verbs to express a range of modalities, and it contrasts with olabilmek (to be possible) in some contexts. The form changes with vowel harmony depending on the stem of the main verb, yielding forms such as -ebil-, -abil-, -abilir-, -abilir-.

Examples: Bunu yapabilirim. (I can do this.) Bu işi birlikte yapabiliriz. (We can do this job together.) Dün bu kitabı okuyabildim. (I could read this book yesterday.) Yarın buna katılabileceğim. (I will be able to participate in this tomorrow.)