Keskustelleet

Keskustelleet is a Finnish verb form derived from the verb keskustella, which means to discuss or to converse. In Finnish grammar it functions primarily as a participial form used with auxiliary forms of olla (to be) to express perfect aspect for plural subjects. The form itself is non-finite and does not carry tense on its own; it appears in combination with a finite form of olla, such as ovat or olivat, to indicate that an action has been completed.

In practical use, keskustelleet appears in sentences that express a completed discussion by a plural subject. For example, Olemme keskustelleet aiheesta means “we have discussed the topic,” and Ovat keskustelleet aiemmin means “they have discussed previously.” The exact finite tense is supplied by the accompanying form of olla. The corresponding singular perfect participle is keskustellut, which is used with singular subjects (for instance, Olen keskustellut) to convey “I have discussed,” “you have discussed,” or “he/she has discussed,” depending on the subject.

Keskustelleet is thus most recognizable as part of a compound tense rather than a standalone finite verb. It is related to the noun keskustelu (a discussion) and to other participial forms of keskustella, such as keskustellut (the singular perfect participle) and keskustellen (the adverbial present participle, meaning “while discussing”). In standard Finnish usage, writers and speakers keep the participle tied to the auxiliary olla to convey precise person and number through olla’s own conjugation.

See also: keskustelu, keskustelut, keskustella.