Translativ

Translativ (also translatiivi in Finnish, translatiiv in Estonian) is a grammatical case used in some Finnic languages to express a change of state or transformation into a new role, condition, or identity. It marks the noun or adjective that denotes what something becomes, and it often answers questions such as “into what?” or “as what?”

In Finnish, the translativ is formed with the suffix -ksi and is used with verbs of becoming, particularly tulla “to become,” or saada “to get/receive.” A common example is Hän tuli opettajaksi, meaning “He/She became a teacher.” The translativ can also appear with adjectives to indicate a change of state, for instance, Hän tuli iloiseksi, meaning “He/She became happy.” The translativ contrasts with the essive case (which marks a temporary or current role, e.g., opettajana “as a teacher”) and with predicative constructions that use other cases.

In Estonian, the translativ is formed with the suffix -ks, as in õpetajaks “to become a teacher.” For example, Ta sai õpetajaks means “He/She became a teacher.” Like Finnish, Estonian uses the translativ mainly to express a change of state or role rather than a temporary status.

General notes: The translativ is separate from tense or mood; it is a case marking rather than a time reference. Its use is most prominent in Finnic languages and is part of broader locative-like case systems that encode spatial or thematic relations, including transformation and becoming.