Sellainen

Sellainen is a Finnish word that functions as a demonstrative determiner and pronoun meaning “such” or “that kind of.” It introduces a noun phrase describing a kind or quality, and it can also stand alone to refer to something already mentioned in the context.

The form is built from the demonstrative se ("that") plus the suffix -lainen, which yields adjectives of a kind or type. Like other -lainen adjectives, sellainen inflects for number and case. Common forms include sellainen (singular nominative), sellaiset (plural nominative), sellaisen (singular genitive), and sellaisia (plural partitive). In front of a noun, it appears as a pre-nominal modifier: sellainen auto, sellainen ihminen. In negative or partitive contexts, the plural partitive form sellaisia is used, as in "Hän haluaa sellaisia kokemuksia."

Usage notes: Sellainen can function both as a determiner (before a noun) and as a pronoun referring to a kind or example previously discussed. It is versatile in comparisons, often appearing in phrases such as “sellainen kuin …” to mean “such as …” or “like ….” It is common in everyday language and can convey generality, emphasis, or evaluative nuance depending on context.

Examples:

- Sellainen auto maksaa paljon. (Such a car costs a lot.)

- Hän haluaa sellaisia kokemuksia. (He wants experiences like that.)

- Sellainen kuin sinä on harvinainen. (Someone like you is rare.)

See also: Finnish demonstratives and adjective inflection patterns.