Käsittävätkö

Käsittävätkö is a Finnish word that translates to "do they understand" or "are they understood" depending on the context. It is the third-person plural present tense indicative form of the verb "käsittää," which means to understand, comprehend, grasp, or include.

The verb "käsittää" is versatile and can be used in various situations. For example, "Käsittävätkö he uuden ohjelman?" translates to "Do they understand the new program?" Here, "käsittävätkö" refers to cognitive comprehension. Alternatively, the passive form can imply being understood, such as in a statement like "Nämä sanat eivät käsittävätkö" (these words are not understood), though this specific construction is less common than actively asking about understanding.

The word's usage is primarily determined by its grammatical function within a sentence. When it appears as a question, it directly inquires about the level of understanding possessed by a group of people or entities. In more descriptive sentences, it can denote the scope of something, meaning "what is included" or "what it encompasses." For instance, "Sopimus käsittävätkö kaikki yksityiskohdat" could be interpreted as "Does the agreement include all the details?"

Understanding the nuances of "käsittää" is crucial for accurate interpretation of Finnish sentences. The prefix "käs-" suggests a holding or grasping action, further reinforcing the meaning of comprehension or inclusion.