Pelokkaaksi

Pelokkaaksi is a Finnish grammatical form that expresses a change of state from being fearless or calm to being fearful or timid. It is the translative form of the adjective pelokas, used as a predicative complement after verbs of becoming, such as olla, tulla, muuttua or joutua. In practice, pelokkaaksi means “into a fearful state” or “to become fearful.”

The form is built from the stem pelokas and the translative suffix -ksi, yielding pelokkaaksi. It indicates a temporary or situational change rather than a permanent trait. In everyday Finnish, pelokkaaksi is most common in constructions with verbs of becoming, for example: tulla pelokkaaksi, muuttua pelokkaaksi, or joutua pelokkaaksi. It can describe emotions, reactions, or shifts in attitude that arise in response to events or circumstances.

Usage notes: pelokkaaksi is typically used for a state change, not for describing a person’s inherent character. Distinctions can be made with related forms: pelokas describes a fearful or timid disposition (a trait), whereas pelokkaaksi emphasizes the process or result of becoming frightened. Examples: Hän tuli pelokkaaksi kuultuaan uutiset. The scene made her pelokkaaksi, and she hesitated to proceed. Hänestä tuli pelokkaaksi tapahtuman jälkeen.

See also: other translative forms for state changes, such as rohkeaksi (to become brave) or viisaaksi (to become wise).