Loppusanat

Loppusanat, also known as the Finnish language's final consonants, are a distinctive feature of the Finnish language. They are a set of consonants that appear at the end of words and are pronounced when the word is spoken in isolation. However, when the word is followed by another word, the final consonant is not pronounced. This phenomenon is known as consonant gradation or consonant weakening.

The final consonants in Finnish are: k, p, t, s, and h. For example, in the word "kissa" (cat), the final consonant "s" is pronounced when the word is spoken in isolation. However, in the phrase "kissa ja koira" (cat and dog), the final "s" in "kissa" is not pronounced.

Loppusanat are an important aspect of Finnish phonology and have a significant impact on the language's rhythm and intonation. They are also a key feature that distinguishes Finnish from other languages, such as English, where final consonants are always pronounced.

The use of loppusanat is a fundamental aspect of Finnish language learning and is often a topic of discussion among linguists and language enthusiasts. Despite their importance, loppusanat are not always taught explicitly in Finnish language courses, as they are often acquired naturally through immersion and practice.