Pahemmaksi

Pahemmaksi is a Finnish word that functions as the translative form of the adjective pahempi, meaning “worse.” It is used to express that something is changing into a worse state, rather than simply describing a static condition.

Morphology and function: Pahemmaksi is formed by applying the translative suffix -ksi to the comparative pahempi. This translative form signals a change of state or transformation, and it is typically used with verbs of change such as muuttua (to become) or tulla (to turn into). Common constructions are muuttua pahemmaksi or tulla pahemmaksi.

Usage notes: Pahemmaksi contrasts with pahempi in that pahempi describes a current, static state (“is worse”), while pahemmaksi describes a process of becoming worse. Examples: Tilanne muuttui pahemmaksi illalla. (The situation became worse in the evening.) Sää muuttui pahemmaksi viime yönä. (The weather turned worse last night.) Hinta on pahempi tänä vuonna kuin viime vuonna. (The price is worse this year than last year.)

Distinctions: Pahemmaksi is not the same as pahemmin, which is an adverb meaning “in a worse way” or “more badly.” Pahemmaksi is used with state-change verbs to indicate turning into a worse condition, whereas pahemmin modifies how an action is performed.

See also: paha, pahempi, pahemmin.