Learning the nuances of any language can be challenging, and Azerbaijani is no exception. Two verbs that often cause confusion for learners are axtarmaq (to search) and tapmaq (to find). Understanding the difference between these two verbs is essential for mastering the Azerbaijani language. In this article, we will delve into the meanings, uses, and examples of these two verbs to help you use them accurately and confidently.
The verb axtarmaq means “to search” or “to look for.” It is used when someone is actively seeking something. This verb implies an ongoing action, where the object of the search has not yet been found.
axtarmaq – to search, to look for
Mən itimi bütün gün axtardım, amma tapa bilmədim.
I searched for my dog all day, but I couldn’t find it.
In this sentence, axtarmaq is used to indicate that the speaker spent the entire day looking for their dog but was not successful in finding it.
Like many Azerbaijani verbs, axtarmaq is conjugated based on tense and subject. Here are some examples of its conjugation in the present, past, and future tenses.
Present Tense:
Mən kitabımı axtarıram.
I am searching for my book.
Past Tense:
O, itmiş açarlarını axtardı.
He/she searched for his/her lost keys.
Future Tense:
Biz sabah sənədləri axtaracağıq.
We will search for the documents tomorrow.
On the other hand, the verb tapmaq means “to find.” It is used when someone has successfully located or discovered the object they were looking for. This verb indicates the completion of the search.
tapmaq – to find
Mən nəhayət itimi tapdım.
I finally found my dog.
In this sentence, tapmaq shows that the speaker was successful in locating their dog, signaling the end of the search.
Like axtarmaq, the verb tapmaq is also conjugated based on tense and subject. Below are examples in different tenses:
Present Tense:
O, itmiş açarlarını tapır.
He/she is finding his/her lost keys.
Past Tense:
Biz sənədləri tapdıq.
We found the documents.
Future Tense:
Mən sabah kitabımı tapacağam.
I will find my book tomorrow.
Often in conversation, axtarmaq and tapmaq are used together to describe the process of searching for something and eventually finding it. Here are some examples:
Mən bir saat açarlarımı axtardım və nəhayət onları tapdım.
I searched for my keys for an hour and finally found them.
O, kitabını uzun müddət axtardı, lakin tapa bilmədi.
He/she searched for his/her book for a long time but couldn’t find it.
In these examples, axtarmaq describes the act of searching, while tapmaq describes the successful completion of that search.
Understanding how these verbs are used in everyday phrases can further help you grasp their meanings and uses.
axtarmaq – to search for, to look for
Mən yeni iş axtarıram.
I am looking for a new job.
tapmaq – to find, to locate
O, yaxşı restoran tapdı.
He/she found a good restaurant.
araÅŸdırmaq – to investigate
Polis hadisəni araşdırır.
The police are investigating the incident.
yoxlamaq – to check, to examine
Mən sənədləri yoxlayacağam.
I will check the documents.
kəşf etmÉ™k – to discover
O, yeni ada kəşf etdi.
He/she discovered a new island.
rast gÉ™lmÉ™k – to come across, to encounter
Mən parkda köhnə dostuma rast gəldim.
I came across an old friend in the park.
To help solidify your understanding of axtarmaq and tapmaq, try these practical exercises:
1. Translate the following sentences into Azerbaijani, using the correct form of axtarmaq or tapmaq:
a. I am searching for my wallet.
b. He found his glasses under the table.
c. We will look for the lost kitten tomorrow.
d. She couldn’t find her phone in the bag.
2. Conjugate the verbs axtarmaq and tapmaq in the present tense for the following subjects:
a. Biz (we)
b. Sən (you, singular)
c. Onlar (they)
3. Create sentences using the following vocabulary with either axtarmaq or tapmaq:
a. itmiÅŸ (lost)
b. qızıl (gold)
c. yeni (new)
Understanding the difference between axtarmaq and tapmaq is essential for mastering Azerbaijani. While axtarmaq is used to describe the act of searching, tapmaq is used to describe the act of finding. By practicing these verbs in various tenses and contexts, you can become more confident in using them accurately in conversation. Happy learning!
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