Transitiiviverbi

Transitiiviverbi, or transitive verb, is a verb that can take a direct object to complete its meaning. In Finnish grammar, transitivity is a property of the verb class, not of a single sentence. A transitive verb typically requires a noun phrase that denotes the object of the action; this object is marked in Finnish by either the accusative or the partitive case, depending on aspects such as definiteness and completion.

By contrast, intransitiiviverbi (intransitive verbs) do not take a direct object. For example, the verb nukkua (to sleep) can stand alone: Minä nukun. Some verbs can be used both transitively and intransitively, often with a shift in meaning or nuance. For instance, the verb aloittaa can be used transitively as “Aloitan työn” (I start the work), while another expression with a related meaning might be used intransitively in a different syntactic frame.

Finnish also features ditransitive uses for verbs that allow two surrounding arguments, such as a recipient or beneficiary in addition to the direct object. The indirect argument is typically expressed with a case-marked noun phrase or a prepositional construction, as in giving or telling constructions: “Minä annan hänelle kirjan” (I give him the book). Transitivity contributes to the valency and subcategorization of verbs, influencing word order and agreement patterns in Finnish sentences.

In summary, transitiiviverbe refers to verbs that can, and often do, take a direct object, forming a core distinction with intransitive verbs in Finnish grammar. Many verbs are ambitransitive, and the precise object marking depends on aspect, definiteness, and sentence context.