Ehdokkaina

Ehdokkaina is the essive plural form of the Finnish noun ehdokas, meaning "as candidates" or "in the capacity of candidates." It is used to describe people who occupy the role of candidates, most commonly in political elections or other selection processes. The essive case in Finnish denotes a temporary state or role, similar to the English phrase "as a/these candidates." The singular form is ehdokkaana, while the plural form is ehdokkaina.

In practice, ehdokkaina is used when referring to a group acting in the capacity of candidates. For example, a news report might say that certain individuals are toimivat ehdokkaina ensi vaaleissa, meaning they are serving as candidates in the upcoming elections. The phrase can appear in statements about a field of candidates or when describing someone’s status during a campaign.

Ehdokkaina differs from related forms such as ehdokkaaksi, which is the translative form meaning "to become a candidate." It is also distinct from other grammatical cases in Finnish that express roles or states. While ehdokkaina specifically signals a current role as candidates, other constructions may indicate future status, plurality, or becoming a candidate.

See also: ehdokas, ehdokkaaksi, Finnish grammar, essive case.