Merkeiksi

Merkeiksi is the translative plural form of the Finnish noun merkki, meaning a sign or mark. In Finnish grammar, the translative case indicates a change of state or a role someone or something takes on. Therefore merkeiksi conveys “as signs” or “into signs,” typically referring to objects or concepts being used or understood as signs or symbols. The singular translative form is merkiksi, while merkeiksi is used for multiple signs.

Usage and context

Merkeiksi is common in discussions of signs, symbols, or semiotics, as well as in technical writing where items are being categorized or repurposed as symbols. It is often contrasted with the essive form merkkinä, which means “as a sign” in a static or temporary sense, whereas merkiksi/merkeiksi emphasizes transformation or a functional role.

Rough guidelines

- Singular: merkiksi (as/into a sign)

- Plural: merkeiksi (as signs / into signs)

- Distinction: merkkinä can express a temporary state; merki- with -ksi/-ksi expresses a change of state or a role assignment

Examples

- We use pictures as signs in presenting information. In Finnish: Käytämme kuvia merkeiksi tiedon esittämisessä.

- In data encoding, words can be transformed into signs. In Finnish: Sanoja voidaan muuntaa merkeiksi koodauksessa.

See also

merkki (sign, symbol), merkitys (meaning), kielen taivutus (Finnish grammar)