pul

§ Understanding 'Pul'

Let's talk about 'pul', which means 'money' in Azerbaijani. This is a crucial word for everyday conversations, whether you're shopping, traveling, or just talking about finances. It's a foundational term for any beginner.

Azerbaijani Word

pul (noun), CEFR A1

Definition

Money; currency used for exchange

§ How to use it in a sentence — grammar, prepositions

'Pul' is a noun, and like many nouns in Azerbaijani, it can take different endings depending on its role in the sentence. Here's what you need to know to use it correctly.

Basic usage:

In its simplest form, 'pul' refers to money in general.

Genitive case: 'pulun' (of money)

When you want to say 'of money' or indicate possession related to money, you use the genitive case, which is 'pulun'.

Dative case: 'pula' (to money)

When expressing movement 'to money' or for the purpose of getting money, you use the dative case 'pula'.

Accusative case: 'pulu' (the money - direct object)

When 'pul' is the direct object of a verb, and you're talking about specific money, you use the accusative case 'pulu'.

Locative case: 'pulda' (in/at money)

While less common for 'pul' directly, it can be used in metaphorical senses or to indicate where money is located.

Ablative case: 'puldən' (from money)

Used to express 'from money' or deriving something from money.

Common phrases with 'pul':

• Pul qazanmaq: To earn money

  Mən çox pul qazanmaq istəyirəm.
  (I want to earn a lot of money.)

• Pul xərcləmək: To spend money

  O, pul xərcləməyi sevir.
  (He loves to spend money.)

• Pul vermək: To give money

  Mən ona pul verdim.
  (I gave him money.)

• Pul almaq: To receive money

  Haradan pul alırsan?
  (Where do you get money from?)

By practicing these cases and common phrases, you'll be able to use 'pul' naturally in a variety of situations. Keep practicing, and don't be afraid to make mistakes – that's how you learn!

§ Don't confuse 'pul' with 'money' in all contexts

While 'pul' directly translates to 'money', English often uses 'money' in broader, more abstract ways that Azerbaijani does not. For example, 'making money' in English is usually 'pul qazanmaq' (to earn money) in Azerbaijani, not just 'pul etmək' (to make money) which sounds unnatural. Remember that direct word-for-word translations can sometimes lead to awkward or incorrect phrases.

§ Using 'pul' when a specific currency is needed

When talking about specific amounts, you generally need to specify the currency. 'Pul' on its own usually refers to money in general. While 'manat' is the national currency, you’ll often hear 'pul' used colloquially to refer to 'manat' if the context is clear. However, when dealing with foreign currencies or precise transactions, always state the currency.

DEFINITION

Manat: The official currency of Azerbaijan.

Using 'Mənə 20 pul lazımdır' (I need 20 money) sounds incomplete and incorrect in most formal or even slightly specific contexts.

§ Plurality of 'pul'

In Azerbaijani, 'pul' (money) is typically treated as a singular noun, even when referring to large amounts. You don't usually add plural suffixes like '-lar/-lər' to 'pul' unless you are specifically referring to different types of currencies or different individual coins/banknotes, which is rare in everyday speech.

Saying 'Mənim çox pullarım var' (I have many moneys) is incorrect. The possessive suffix '-um' (my) is added to the singular form 'pul'.

§ Using 'pul' in abstract financial concepts

When discussing abstract financial concepts like 'money management' or 'money matters', 'pul' is used, but often with specific verbs or other nouns. Don't assume 'pul' can simply be swapped into English phrases that use 'money' in a compound noun.

• Money management: 'Pul idarəçiliyi' (money management) or 'pul işləri' (money affairs).

• Money problems: 'Pul problemləri' (money problems).

For example, you would say 'pul idarəçiliyi öyrənirəm' (I am learning money management), not 'pul rəhbərliyi öyrənirəm' (money leadership) which doesn't make sense.

§ Direct translation of 'worth money' or 'cost money'

When something 'costs money' or is 'worth money', direct translation can be misleading. Instead, use specific verbs like 'dəyər' (worth/value) or 'qiymət' (price) for cost.

DEFINITION

Dəyər: Value, worth.

Saying 'Bu avtomobil puldur' (This car is money) to mean it's expensive or worth a lot of money is incorrect. Instead, you'd say 'Bu avtomobil bahadır' (This car is expensive).

DEFINITION

Baha: Expensive.

Here, 'neçə puladır' (how much money is it for) is the correct way to ask about the price, not a direct translation like 'bu kitab pul dəyərindədir?' (is this book in money's worth?).