Kohtaiset

Kohtaiset is the plural nominative and accusative form of the Finnish adjective kohtainen. The word denotes belonging to or pertaining to a particular thing, person, or group, and is often translated into English as specific, particular, or respective. In usage, kohtainen is typically employed to single out items as distinct or relevant within a broader set.

In practice, kohtainen is used attributively with a noun to emphasize that the items are the ones being considered in a given context. Examples include kohtaiset tiedot (the specific details) and kohtaiset kustannukset (the respective costs). While it can appear in predicative position, its primary function is to modify a noun, and the surrounding grammar will reflect the number and case of that noun.

Etymologically, kohtainen derives from the Finnish root koht- (point, place, time) with the adjectival suffix -inen, forming a term that conveys relation to a particular point or item. This gives it a sense of specificity or relevance to the issue at hand.

Translations and nuance vary by context. Kohtainen can imply strict specificity, relevance, or pertinence to the discussion, and its English equivalents may include specific, particular, or respective. The form kohtaiset appears whenever the associated noun is plural and in the nominative or accusative case, while other cases and numbers require corresponding agreement.

See also: kohta, kohtainen.