Leikkinä

Leikkinä is a Finnish word form meaning “as a game” or “for play.” It is the essive form of the noun leikki (play, game) and is used to indicate that an action, role, or situation is temporary, playful, or not intended to be taken seriously. In practice, leikkinä is used to describe activities performed for fun, in pretend scenarios, or as demonstrations rather than as serious conduct.

Etymology and grammar: Leikkinä is built from leikki plus the essive suffix -nä, which marks a temporary state or role (similar to “as” in English). The form can modify verbs or phrases to express that the described activity is carried out in a playful or hypothetical manner. It is common in spoken Finnish as well as in instructional or educational contexts.

Usage and nuance: Leikkinä often appears when adults or teachers want to frame an exercise, game, or scenario as non-serious or hypothetical. It can soften statements and clarify that the purpose is practice, imagination, or enjoyment rather than real-world seriousness. It is most natural in contexts involving children, games, role play, or demonstrations.

Examples:

- Tämä harjoitus tehtiin leikkinä, jotta lapset oppisivat sääntöjä. (This exercise was done as a game to help children learn the rules.)

- Teimme tämän leikkinä, ei vakavasti. (We did this as a game, not seriously.)

See also: leikki, leikkiä, leikillinen, essive case.