Nimekkäitä

Nimekkäitä is the plural partitive form of the Finnish adjective nimekäs, meaning “famous,” “well-known,” or “notable.” It is used to describe plural nouns that have a public profile or recognizable name. Examples include nimekkäitä taiteilijoita (renowned artists), nimekkäitä elokuvia (notable films), and nimekkäitä yrityksiä (well-known companies).

Etymology and form: Nimekäs is formed from the root nimi, meaning “name,” with the suffix -käs, which conveys the idea of possessing a certain quality. The form nimekkäitä is the plural partitive, used when the noun it modifies is in the partitive case or when the context involves an indefinite amount or collection of such entities.

Usage and nuance: In Finnish, nimekkäitä tends to appear in more formal or journalistic contexts than everyday speech. It expresses public recognition tied to a name or reputation, rather than mere popularity. The term can describe people, organizations, works, or places, and is often contrasted with synonyms such as tunnettu (well-known) or kuuluisat (famous), with nimekäs carrying a nuance of prestige or notable standing.

Limitations and considerations: While generally positive, nimekkäitä can imply exclusivity or prominence and may not be interchangeable with all contexts where “famous” or “popular” would be appropriate. As with other adjectives, the exact meaning is shaped by the noun it modifies and the surrounding discourse.

See also: nimekäs, tunnettu, kuuluisat.