Neljähiiliset

Neljähiiliset refers to a group of Finnish words that have four syllables and end with the consonants k, p, t, or s. This linguistic phenomenon is a characteristic feature of the Finnish language, particularly in spoken and informal contexts. These words are often simple, everyday terms.

Examples of neljähiiliset include words like "lentokone" (airplane), "maailmanloppu" (end of the world), and "tanssiminen" (dancing, the act of). The final consonant of these words often plays a role in certain grammatical constructions in Finnish, such as vowel harmony and consonant gradation. While the concept is primarily descriptive of word structure, it highlights an interesting pattern in the phonology and morphology of Finnish. Understanding this pattern can aid in learning and recognizing Finnish vocabulary, as well as understanding the nuances of its sound system. The specific consonants k, p, t, and s are common in word endings across many languages, but their occurrence in four-syllable words in Finnish forms this particular subgroup.