Sekäpassiivin

Sekäpassiivin is a term used in linguistics, particularly in the study of Finnish grammar. It refers to a specific type of passive voice construction that can be formed using the verb 'saada' (to get/receive) and the past active participle of another verb. This construction conveys a sense of undergoing an action, often with a nuance of something happening to the subject involuntarily or without their direct agency.

The structure typically involves the verb 'saada' in a passive or impersonal form, followed by the past active participle of the main verb. For example, in Finnish, a sentence like "Kirja saatiin luettua" translates to "The book was read" or more literally, "The book was gotten read." This differs from the standard passive voice which uses the verb 'olla' (to be) and the past passive participle.

The distinction between the 'olla'-passive and the 'saada'-passive is significant. The 'olla'-passive usually indicates a state or a completed action without emphasizing who performed it. The 'saada'-passive, on the other hand, often implies that the action was completed, perhaps with some effort or difficulty, and that the subject experienced the outcome. It can also carry a sense of accidental or unavoidable occurrence. Understanding "sekäpassiivin" is crucial for a nuanced interpretation of Finnish sentences, especially in distinguishing between different shades of passive meaning and the subject's role or experience within the action.