The Conditional Converb (-val/-vel)
Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds
The -val/-vel suffix turns a verb into a condition, meaning 'if' or 'when' something happens.
- Add -val to stems with back vowels (a, o, u): 'yav' -> 'yavval' (if [I] go).
- Add -vel to stems with front vowels (e, ö, ü): 'ir' -> 'irvel' (if [I] come).
- The subject is implied by the context of the following main clause.
Vowel Harmony Rules
| Vowel Type | Suffix | Example Stem | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Back (a, o, u)
|
-val
|
yav
|
yavval
|
|
Front (e, ö, ü)
|
-vel
|
ir
|
irvel
|
Meanings
The conditional converb expresses a condition that must be met for the main clause to occur. It functions similarly to 'if' clauses in English.
Conditional
Expressing a hypothetical or real condition.
“Цаг агаар сайхан байвал бид гадаа гарна.”
“Тэр хичээлээ хийвэл сайн дүн авна.”
Reference Table
| Form | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
|
Affirmative
|
Stem + -val/-vel
|
yavval
|
|
Negative
|
Stem + -güi + -val/-vel
|
yavagüivel
|
|
Question
|
Stem + -val/-vel + uu/üü?
|
yavval uu?
|
|
Past
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
Espectro de formalidad
Та ирвэл бид хооллоно. (Dinner invitation)
Чи ирвэл бид хооллоно. (Dinner invitation)
Ирвэл хооллоё. (Dinner invitation)
Ирвэл иднэ шүү. (Dinner invitation)
Conditional Logic
Result
- Main Clause The outcome
Ejemplos por nivel
Би явбал чи ирнэ.
If I go, you come.
Цаг агаар сайхан байвал бид явна.
If the weather is nice, we will go.
Чи хичээлээ хийвэл сайн дүн авна.
If you do your homework, you will get a good grade.
Тэр ирвэл бид бүгдээрээ хооллоно.
If he comes, we will all eat.
Асуудлыг шийдвэл бид дараагийн шатанд гарна.
If we solve the problem, we will move to the next stage.
Хэрэв тэр үнэнийг хэлбэл бүх зүйл өөрчлөгдөнө.
If he tells the truth, everything will change.
Fácil de confundir
Both link verbs, but -tüi is temporal.
Errores comunes
yav-vel
yav-val
yavval-bi
yavval, bi...
yav-güi-val
yav-a-güi-val
yav-val-bol
yavval
Patrones de oraciones
___ байвал ___.
Real World Usage
Завтай бол яръя.
Vowel Check
Smart Tips
Check the vowel harmony first.
Pronunciación
Vowel Harmony
Ensure the suffix vowel matches the stem.
Rising-Falling
Conditional clause rises, main clause falls.
Standard conditional statement.
Memorízalo
Mnemotecnia
Val/Vel is the 'If' bell—it rings when a condition is set.
Asociación visual
Imagine a gatekeeper (the suffix) standing at a door. If you have the right key (the vowel), the door opens.
Rhyme
Back vowel takes a val, front vowel takes a vel, use it for a condition, and you'll do very well.
Story
Bat wants to go to the park. He looks at the sky. 'If it rains (boroo orvol), I stay home. If it is sunny (naran garval), I go.' He checks the vowels and chooses correctly.
Word Web
Desafío
Write 3 sentences about your plans for tomorrow using -val/-vel.
Notas culturales
Conditional forms are used politely in requests.
Ancient Turkic-Mongolic suffix system.
Inicios de conversación
Чи завтай бол юу хийх вэ?
Temas para diario
Errores comunes
Test Yourself
Би ир___, чи яв.
Score: /1
Ejercicios de practica
1 exercisesБи ир___, чи яв.
Score: /1
Preguntas frecuentes (1)
No, it is for hypothetical or future conditions.
Scaffolded Practice
1
2
3
4
Mastery Progress
Needs Practice
Improving
Strong
Mastered
In Other Languages
Si + presente
Suffix vs. particle.
-ba form
Vowel harmony vs. fixed suffix.
Wenn...
Word order changes in German.
Si...
Syntax placement.
Idha...
Verb conjugation differences.
Ruguo...
No conjugation.
Learning Path
Prerequisites
Connected Grammar
Vowel Harmony
PrerequisiteRequired for all suffixes.
