Girebilmek

Girebilmek is a Turkish verb meaning “to be able to enter” or “to be able to gain access to a place.” It is the infinitive form created from the verb girmek (to enter) by adding the modal suffix -ebil-/abil- to express possibility, followed by the infinitive ending -mek. The term thus denotes the capability or possibility of performing the action of entering.

Grammatical use: The -ebil- suffix attaches to the verb stem to form an infinitive that can be conjugated for tense and person like other Turkish modals. Examples: girebilirim (I can enter), girebilirsin (you can enter), girebiliyor (he/she can enter). In the past: girebildim (I could enter), girebildin, girebildi. In the future: girebileceğim, girebileceksin, girebilecek. Negative forms include giremiyorum (I cannot enter) and giremeyeceğim (I will not be able to enter). The conditional/subjunctive forms include girebilseydim (if I could enter) and girebilirse (if he/she can enter).

Usage notes: Girebilmek covers both physical entry and broader access, such as entering a building or gaining access to a system or opportunity. In particular contexts Turkish often uses more specific expressions like içeri girmek or sisteme girebilmek, or giriş yapabilmek to refer to logging in. The choice depends on the sense of “enter” and on formality.

See also: girmek, çıkmak, giriş, -ebil- suffix. Parallel examples include yapabilmek and görebilmek, which illustrate the same modal construction with different verbs.