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.
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.”
Vowel Harmony Rules
| Vowel Type | Suffix | Example Stem | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Back (a, o, u) | -val | yav | yavval |
| Front (e, ö, ü) | -vel | ir | irvel |
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 formalidade
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
Exemplos por nível
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.
Erros comuns
yav-vel
yav-val
yavval-bi
yavval, bi...
yav-güi-val
yav-a-güi-val
yav-val-bol
yavval
Padrões de frases
___ байвал ___.
Real World Usage
Завтай бол яръя.
Vowel Check
Smart Tips
Check the vowel harmony first.
Pronúncia
Vowel Harmony
Ensure the suffix vowel matches the stem.
Rising-Falling
Conditional clause rises, main clause falls.
Standard conditional statement.
Memorize
Mnemônico
Val/Vel is the 'If' bell—it rings when a condition is set.
Associação 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
Desafio
Write 3 sentences about your plans for tomorrow using -val/-vel.
Notas culturais
Conditional forms are used politely in requests.
Ancient Turkic-Mongolic suffix system.
Iniciadores de conversa
Чи завтай бол юу хийх вэ?
Temas para diário
Test Yourself
Би ир___, чи яв.
Score: /1
Exercicios praticos
1 exercisesБи ир___, чи яв.
Score: /1
Perguntas frequentes (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.
