Essiivisuffixistä

Essiivisuffixistä refers to the essive suffix in Finnish grammar, which marks a temporary state or role of the subject, roughly equivalent to “as” in English. It is used to describe what someone or something is acting as or being in a given moment or context, often in predicative constructions with the verb olla (to be). Typical examples include henkilönä as a person, opettajana as a teacher, or johtajana as a leader. The essive can express occupation, status, or a temporary condition.

Formation and forms are centered on the suffix -na or -nä, attached to the noun stem. The choice between -na and -nä follows vowel harmony, and the resulting form is used in the singular. For instance, opettaja (teacher) becomes opettajana, and johtaja (leader) becomes johtajana. Some stems may exhibit small adjustments or elision when the suffix is added, and irregularities can occur with certain endings. The essive form is typically used with the copula olla, as in Hän on opettajana.

The essive contrasts with the translative suffix -ksi, which denotes becoming or change of state (to become a teacher is opettajaksi). Thus, essive expresses a current, temporary role, while translative marks transition into a new state. In addition, some expressions naturally favor the essive without a corresponding prepositional equivalent in other languages, reflecting Finnish’s aspectual and thematic nuances.

Essiivisuffixistä is the genitive singular form of the term essiivisuffixi, and is used in grammar texts and linguistic discussion to refer to the suffix itself. In summary, the essive suffix (-na/-nä) forms a key part of Finnish nominal predication, signaling “in the role of” or “as.”