Ilmaisemaksi

Ilmaisemaksi is a Finnish grammatical form that functions as the translative form of the noun ilmaisema, meaning an expression, depiction, or representation. In Finnish, the translative case, marked with -ksi, is used to indicate a change of state, a transformation, or a designation of something as something else. Therefore ilmaisemaksi conveys the sense of “as an expression” or “into an expression/depiction.”

Etymology and form: ilmaisema (expression/depiction) serves as the base noun. It is related to the verb ilmaista, meaning “to express.” The noun ilmaisema combines with the nominal suffix -ma to form a concept of expression or depiction, and the translative suffix -ksi yields ilmaisemaksi, signaling a role or state attributed to something after transformation or interpretation.

Usage: The form is predominantly found in formal or analytical Finnish, such as linguistic discussion, literary criticism, philosophy, or translation theory. It is not common in everyday speech. Ilmaisemaksi is typically used in constructions that describe how something is rendered, interpreted, or presented as a particular form of expression, often with verbs that indicate transformation or interpretation (for example, changing or describing something as an expression).

Examples: In academic writing, one might encounter phrases like “muuttaa X ilmaisemaksi” or “tulkita X ilmaisemaksi,” meaning to render X as an expression or to interpret it as such. The exact nuance depends on the context and the surrounding verbs.

See also: Finnish translative case, ilmaisema, ilmaista.