Onnistuakseen

Onnistua means to succeed in Finnish. Onnistuakseen is the third infinitive (the -akseen form) of the verb onnistua and is used to express purpose or aim in subordinate clauses. In English it roughly corresponds to “in order to succeed” or “to be able to succeed.” The third infinitive is formed by attaching the suffix -akseen (-äakseen after certain vowels) to the verb stem, here onnistu- + -akseen → onnistuakseen. This form is most common in formal or literary Finnish; in everyday speech speakers often use other constructions to express purpose, such as jotta + finite verb or other periphrastic forms.

Usage and examples:

- Hän harjoitteli ahkerasti onnistuakseen kokeessa. (He trained hard in order to succeed in the exam.)

- Hän suunnitteli hanketta huolellisesti onnistuakseen hankkeessaan. (He planned the project carefully to succeed in his undertaking.)

Related forms:

- onnistuminen (noun: success)

- onnistua (basic verb: to succeed)

- onnistunut (past participle: succeeded, successful)

Notes:

- The form onnistuakseen is typically found in written or formal Finnish. In colloquial language, speakers may prefer phrases that express purpose without the third infinitive, such as using jotta with a finite verb or other purpose-clause constructions.