Ettäettä

Ettäettä is a Finnish word that can be translated as "that that" or "so that" in English. It is a compound word formed by repeating the conjunction "että," which means "that." The repetition of "että" emphasizes the purpose or consequence being introduced.

In Finnish grammar, "että" is used to introduce subordinate clauses, often expressing a thought, statement, or command. When doubled to "ettäettä," it intensifies this introductory function, highlighting a specific result or a strong reason for something. For example, one might say "Hän toimi nopeasti, ettäettä hän ehtisi ajoissa," which translates to "He acted quickly, so that he would be on time." The repetition here underscores the importance of timeliness as the driving factor for his quick action.

While grammatically correct, the use of "ettäettä" is not as common as a single "että." It is often found in more formal or literary contexts where a stronger emphasis is desired. In everyday spoken Finnish, a single "että" is usually sufficient, and the intended meaning is conveyed through intonation and context. The doubled form serves as a stylistic choice to add a layer of emphasis to the subordinate clause that follows. Understanding "ettäettä" requires recognizing the core function of "että" and how its repetition modifies that function for greater expressive power.