Tarvitsemaan

Tarvitsemaan is a Finnish verb form, specifically the ma-infinitiivi (ma-infinitive) of tarvita, meaning "to need" or "to require." It is a non-finite form used in subordinate clauses or in combination with another verb to express a future or eventual need. The ma-infinitive often appears in constructions that project future necessity, rather than describing a current need.

In practice, tarvitsemaan is most commonly seen in sentences with the auxiliary verb tulla to indicate that someone or something will need something. For example: Tulen tarvitsemaan lisäaikaa. I will need extra time. Se tulee tarvitsemaan apua. It will need (to have) help. The form can also occur in other futures-oriented phrases, but its distinctive use is to express forthcoming requirement rather than an immediate need.

Formation and relation to other forms: tarvita becomes tarvit-se-maan in the ma-infinitive, written as tarvit-semaan. This is one of several non-finite verb forms in Finnish and is typically used in more formal or written contexts, or in contexts where a future-oriented nuance is intended. The plain, present meaning “to need” is conveyed by tarvita (e.g., minun täytyy tarvita apua is often expressed with a different construction). The ma-infinitive contrasts with the basic infinitive and with the finite forms that express present need.

Related terms include the finite verb tarvita (to need), the kata of the ma-infinitive, and other verbs that form their respective ma-infinitives in similar ways. Tarvitsemaan thus functions as a specialized non-finite form for expressing upcoming necessity, especially in sentences that indicate future requirements.