Tarkkailevan

Tarkkailevan is a Finnish grammatical form that arises from the verb tarkkailla, meaning to observe or monitor. It is the genitive singular form of the present active participle tarkkaileva, and it carries the sense of “of the watchful/observant.” In context, tarkkaileva describes someone or something that watches closely or is vigilant.

As a participial adjective, tarkkaileva modifies a noun in agreement; its genitive singular form tarkkailevan is used when the participle describes a noun within a genitive construction, for example tarkkailevan ihmisen katse “the gaze of the watchful man.” The basic, attributive form is tarkkaileva (watchful). The form declines like an adjective in genderless Finnish grammar.

Usage and frequency: tarkkailevan is primarily encountered in written Finnish, grammar discussions, or descriptive prose. In ordinary conversation, speakers more commonly use the attributive tarkkaileva or synonyms such as valpas (watchful) or tarkkaavainen, depending on nuance.

Etymology: The form is built from tarkkailla + -va (present active participle). The genitive singular ending -n attaches to form tarkkailevan.