istemek

How to build it (example: “Ben …”)

1. Goal: Say "I want" in Turkish.
2. Pieces: stem iste + aorist ending r + im
3. Result: iste + rim → isterim

Tip: The ending vowels change to “match” the last vowel of the stem. See verb endings for the full guide.

Aorist (simple present)

Use this for habits, general facts, and “I do X” statements.

Present continuous (-iyor)

Use this for actions happening now (“I am …-ing”).

Examples

• Ben su isterim. — I want water.
• Şimdi yardım istiyorum. — I’m asking for help right now.
• Onlar erken gelmek isterler. — They want to come early.

Common uses

‘istemek’ is often followed by an object or an infinitive (e.g. ‘gitmek istiyorum’).

• bir şey istemek (to want something)
• yardım istemek (to ask for help)
• istemiyorum (I don’t want)
• ne istersin? (what do you want?)
• gitmek istemek (to want to go)