Salkkuni

Salkkuni is a Finnish noun phrase that translates to “my briefcase.” It is formed from salkku, the noun for a briefcase, plus the first-person possessive suffix -ni. In Finnish, possession is typically expressed by attaching suffixes directly to the noun rather than using a separate possessive pronoun before the noun, so salkkuni functions as a single word meaning “my briefcase.”

Usage and examples: The form is used in everyday speech to indicate ownership. Common sentences include Salkkuni on pöydällä (My briefcase is on the table) and Olen unohtanut salkkuni (I have forgotten my briefcase). The form agrees with the noun in the usual syntactic roles, and it can take the noun’s case endings when embedded in more complex phrases or clauses.

Morphology and related forms: Salkkuni illustrates the Finnish system of personal possessive suffixes. The suffix -ni marks first-person singular ownership. Other persons use different suffixes, such as -si for second person and -nsä/-nsa for third person, attached to the corresponding base noun. Thus, possession is expressed directly on the noun rather than through separate possessive adjectives or pronouns.

Etymology and usage notes: Salkku is a native Finnish word, and the possessive suffix -ni is a standard part of Finnish grammar. The combination salkkuni is not a specialized term; it is simply the ordinary way to say “my briefcase.” It is written with a lowercase initial letter unless it begins a sentence.

See also: Finnish language, possessive suffix, salkku.