Paikkoina

Paikkoina is a Finnish word that functions as the plural essive form of the noun paikka, meaning “as places.” In Finnish, the essive case marks a temporary state or role, and paikkoina expresses this sense for multiple locations. The corresponding singular form is paikkana, meaning “as a place.” The form paikkoina therefore translates roughly to “as places” in English.

Usage and function. Paikkoina is used when describing several locations in their role or status, rather than merely naming them as places. It often appears in descriptive or formal language, classifications, and contexts where locations are being considered in terms of function or role. Common verbs that accompany the essive include olla (to be) and toimia (to act as). Example: Nämä tilat toimivat paikkoina, joissa järjestetään tapahtumia. (“These spaces function as places where events are held.”)

Morphology and notes. Paikkoina is formed from the stem paikka with the essive suffix -na/-nä and a plural ending appropriate for the sentence. As a plural form, it contrasts with paikkana (“as a place”) to refer to more than one location. The essive expresses a temporary state or role rather than a fixed identity, which is a key aspect of its meaning in Finnish grammar.

Relation to other forms. In everyday Finnish, the singular paikkana is more common for simple statements about a single location, while paikkoina appears in contexts that discuss multiple locations in a particular capacity. The concept is closely related to the broader use of the essive case across nouns to denote states such as identity, role, or function.