Predikaattikomplementit

Predikaattikomplementit, often translated as predicate complements, are a grammatical concept in linguistics, particularly relevant in analyzing sentence structure. They refer to the element in a sentence that completes the meaning of a predicate, specifically when the predicate is a copular verb like "olla" (to be) in Finnish. This complement describes or identifies the subject of the sentence.

There are two main types of predikaattikomplementit. The first is the nominatiivikomplementti, which is in the nominative case. This type typically describes a characteristic or quality of the subject. For example, in the sentence "Hän on iloinen" (He/She is happy), "iloinen" is the nominativikomplementti, describing the subject "hän."

The second type is the partitiivikomplementti, which is in the partitive case. This form often indicates a temporary state, an indefinite quantity, or a part of something. For instance, in the sentence "Kirja on mielenkiintoinen" (The book is interesting), "mielenkiintoinen" is a nominativikomplementti. However, if the sentence were "Hän oli väsynyt" (He/She was tired), "väsynyt" is a nominativikomplementti. If the sentence implied a degree or a part, a partitive might be used, though the distinction can be nuanced and depend on the specific verb and context.

Predikaattikomplementit are crucial for understanding the semantic roles within a sentence and how the subject is characterized or identified by the predicate. They are distinct from direct or indirect objects, which receive the action of a transitive verb. Instead, they function as a link between the subject and its attribute or classification.