Ksisuffiksin

Ksisuffiksin, in Finnish grammar, refers to the translative suffix formed with the ending -ksi. It marks a change of state or transformation and can also indicate the role or identity something or someone adopts. In English this is often translated as "into" or "as." The translative is commonly used with nouns and adjectives and frequently appears with the verb tulla (to become), to express what someone becomes or what something becomes.

Formation and usage: The suffix -ksi attaches to the stem of a word to form the translative. Examples include opettaja → opettajaksi (become a teacher), mies → mieheksi (become a man), and nainen → naiseksi (become a woman). It is also used in expressions such as Vesi muuttui höyryksi (Water changed into steam) and Hänet on valittu johtajaksi (He has been chosen as a leader). The form is generally invariant for the root, though the underlying stem may show customary phonological adjustments.

Relation to other cases: The translative is one of Finnish case-like endings that express state, transformation, or designation. It is distinct from the essive, which is formed with -na/-nä and conveys a temporary state or role. Together, these endings help convey nuanced meaning related to state, identity, and function within sentences.

Notes: The ksisuffiksin usage is widespread across vocabularies and registers in Finnish and is a core tool for indicating transitional meanings in declarative statements.