How to Use the Turkish Verbal Phrases “-(y)ene kadar” and “-(y)inceye kadar”

• Yapılana kadar hep imkânsız görünür.

• It always seems impossible until it's done. (Nelson Mandela)

In Turkish, -(y)ene kadar (or -(y)ene dek / -değin) is used to indicate how long an action will continue or until what point something lasts. In English, it usually translates as “until” or “up to.”

Here is another example from a well-known Turkish saying:

• Köprüyü geçene kadar ayıya "dayı" de.

Literally: Call the bear "uncle" until you have crossed the bridge.

Meaning: Get along with an authority figure until you are in a safer or more secure position.

Instead of the suffix -(y)ene, we can also use -(y)inceye with no difference in meaning:

• Yapılıncaya kadar hep imkânsız görünür.

• Köprüyü geçinceye kadar ayıya "dayı" de.

Here is another example showing both forms — the classic vow most couples intend to keep… but life has other plans:

• Seni ölüm bizi ayırıncaya değin seveceğim.

• Seni ölüm bizi ayırana değin seveceğim.

→ I will love you till death do us part.

Verbals play an important role in Turkish grammar, especially in sentence structures from A2 level onward. You can find all the verbals you need — including advanced C1-level forms — in my book Verbals in Turkish.

For B1–B2 level verbals and other essential grammar topics, take a look at my book easy Turkish Grammar with Answers 2. Both books offer clear explanations, real-life examples, and carefully designed exercises to help you build confidence and accuracy in Turkish.

👉 You can explore them here.