Understanding Prepositions of Time in Azerbaijani Grammar

Prepositions are an integral part of any language, and Azerbaijani is no exception. Specifically, prepositions of time play a crucial role in expressing temporal relationships between words and phrases. In this article, we will delve into the most common prepositions of time in Azerbaijani grammar, their applications, and examples to shed light on how they operate within the Azerbaijani language’s framework.

Common Prepositions of Time in Azerbaijani

Here is a list of frequently used Azerbaijani prepositions of time:

• Ilə (with): Used to indicate an action done simultaneously with another
• Sonra (after): Denotes an event happening after a particular point in time
• Əvvəl (before): Implies an action occurring before a certain time or event
• İçində (in): Signifies a time period within which something happens
• Boy-unca (along): Represents the span of time throughout which an action occurs

Utilizing Prepositions of Time in Sentences

Now that we have covered the key Azerbaijani prepositions of time, let’s take a closer look at how they function within sentences.

Ilə (with)

The preposition ilə denotes simultaneous actions in a sentence. It is commonly used in the past continuous tense.

• Example: Mən kitab ilə seyahət edirdim. (I was traveling with the book.)

Sonra (after)

Sonra conveys the notion of an event happening after another in a specific sequence.

• Example: Mən yeməyi bitirən sonra çay içəcəm. (I will drink tea after I finish my meal.)

Əvvəl (before)

The preposition əvvəl is used to indicate an action or event occurring before another.

• Example: Mən işə getmədən əvvəl kahvaltı edirəm. (I have breakfast before going to work.)

İçində (in)

İçində signifies the time frame within which a particular action takes place.

• Example: Mən bir saat içində evə qayıdaram. (I will return home within an hour.)

Boy-unca (along)

This preposition denotes the entire duration of an event or action.

• Example: Mən gün boy-unca kitab oxuyurdum. (I was reading a book all day long.)

Conclusion

In Azerbaijani grammar, prepositions of time play a vital role in illustrating temporal relationships in sentences. As demonstrated, these prepositions help convey precise meanings by indicating when, in relation to other events, an action takes place. Mastering these key prepositions of time in the Azerbaijani language will significantly enhance your communication skills and contribute to more natural and accurate expression.