-erek veya -arak

what does it mean exactly? I have a feeleing that it doesn'T have an exact translation but if someone could try....

Thanks

Simply corresponds to "(by) verb + ing".

verb stem + erek/arak

e.g. you can operate the machine by pushing this button.
Bu düğmeye basarak makineyi çalıştırabilirsin.

bas (verb stem of "basmak") + arak

more examples:

yürü-y-erek = (by) walking
gülümse-y-erek = (by) smiling
biçimle-y-erek = (by) formatting

By the way, if you asked just "olarak", it has a different meaning and function on its own.

olarak : as

e.g. bir açıklama olarak = as an explanation
biz insanlar olarak = we as human beings

Thanks quasimodo, so quick!

Don't mention it.

If you want to read more about -erek/-arak gerund, go here:

http://www.turkishclass.com/forumTitle_6_9863

In turkish, you put the suffix "-me/ma" immediately after a verb stem to form gerund. (in which case the construction turns to be the same as "negative imperative".)

example : bil (verb stem of "bilmek") + me

bilme = knowing

No idea about WinMekMak, but there is a simple test to identify if a (confusing) construction is in gerund or participle form. If you can use it in place of noun in a sentence, then it is gerund, otherwise participle.

"Yüzme güzel bir etkinliktir."
Swimming is a nice activity.

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