Mutkikkaaksi

Mutkikkaaksi is a Finnish linguistic form derived from the adjective mutkikas, meaning winding or intricate. It describes a state or condition that has become more complex or convoluted. The form is typically used to indicate a transformation, often with verbs that express change, such as tullessa or muuttua. It can describe both physical shapes, like a road that has become more winding, and abstract situations, such as plans or narratives that have grown more complicated.

Etymology and morphology: Mutkikkaaksi is formed by adding the translative suffix -ksi to mutkikas. The translative marks a change of state, roughly “to become mutkikas.” In sentences it functions as a predicative complement, for example after the verb tulla or muuttua. It can also appear as part of phrases such as “tehdä mutkikkaaksi” to mean “to make something more complicated.”

Usage and nuance: The word is relatively neutral and somewhat formal or literary compared with more everyday synonyms like monimutkaiseksi. It emphasizes the process of becoming more winding or intricate rather than simply describing the current state. In everyday speech, speakers often use mutkikas or monimutkainen, while mutkikkaaksi appears in descriptive writing or careful prose.

Examples:

- Tilanne muuttui mutkikkaaksi, kun lisäsimme uusia sääntöjä. (The situation became more complicated when we added new rules.)

- Reitti muuttui mutkikkaaksi, kun polut haarautuivat useisiin suuntiin. (The route became winding as the paths branched.)

- Hänen kertomuksensa muuttui mutkikkaaksi, kun mukaan tuli useita yllättäviä käänteitä. (His story became intricate as several surprises were introduced.)

See also: mutkikas, monimutkainen, mutkikas tie.