Translatiivimuoto

Translatiivimuoto, or the translative case, is a grammatical case used in Finnish to express a change of state or a transition into a new role, state, or condition. It conveys the idea of becoming or turning into something and is often similar to the English “into” or “to become.” It is distinct from other cases that denote location, source, or temporary state.

Usage and meaning. The translative is typically used with verbs of becoming or transformation, such as tulla (to become) and muuttua (to change). It answers questions like “into what?” or “to become what?” Common examples describe a change in occupation or status. For instance, hän tulee opettajaksi means “he/she becomes a teacher,” and kaupunki muuttuu suuremmaksi kaupungiksi can be rendered as “the city becomes a larger city.” The translative is also used with nouns indicating roles or identities and with adjectives in some contexts.

Formation and examples. The translative form is created by adding the suffix -ksi to the noun stem, with normal Finnish phonology applying. Examples include:

- opettaja -> opettajaksi (into a teacher)

- kaupunki -> kaupungiksi (into a city)

- maa -> maaksi (into a country)

Phonological adjustments occur naturally in Finnish; the result is typically a single form that marks the transformation.

Relation to other cases. The translative is part of Finnish case systems that express state, role, or destination. It contrasts with the essive, which marks a temporary or continuous state (as, in the capacity of) using -na/-nä, and with locative cases that denote location rather than transformation.