I want to… I can…
Build a sentence with two linked verbs.
By the end of this lessonUse present subjunctive forms after wanting and ability.
The idea
After xwestin (want) and karîn (be able), the next verb normally takes the subjunctive. For the verbs here, replace di- with bi- and keep the person ending: dixwînim → bixwînim. When the subject stays the same, both verbs agree with it: Em dixwazin bixwînin.
See it in a sentence
Negation changes the meaning: Ez naxwazim bixwînim means “I do not want to read”. Karîn has the special negative ni-: Ez nikarim bixwînim means “I cannot read”. Not all verbs form the subjunctive regularly.
Build it step by step
- Conjugate wanting or ability for the main subject. Xwestin uses xwaz-; karîn uses kar-. These are the first verbs in the two-verb pattern.
- Put the action in the subjunctive. For the regular examples here, use bi- + present stem + person ending. Keep both endings plural when the shared subject is plural.
- When someone wants another person to act, use ku and state the second subject. Ez dixwazim ku tu bixwînî has one verb agreeing with ez and the other with tu.
| Subject | Want to read | Cannot read |
|---|---|---|
| ez | dixwazim bixwînim | nikarim bixwînim |
| tu | dixwazî bixwînî | nikarî bixwînî |
| ew (singular) | dixwaze bixwîne | nikare bixwîne |
| em / hûn / ew (plural) | dixwazin bixwînin | nikarin bixwînin |
Take a sentence apart
main clause: I want
connector + second subject
subjunctive agreeing with tu
English uses an infinitive in “I want to read”. Kurmanji marks person on both verbs. The bi- form does not by itself mean future; dê supplies the future construction.
A common trap
Incorrect: Em dikarin dixwînin.
Correct: Em dikarin bixwînin.
After ability, the reading verb is subjunctive: bixwînin. Negate ability with nikarin, not nakarin.
Grammar reference: Thackston, §§ 16–16.3 · Subjunctive, wanting and ability