Tölkiksi

Tölkiksi is the translative form of the Finnish noun tölkki, meaning a can. It expresses a change of state or designation, roughly translating to “into a can” or “as a can.” The form is used with verbs that describe transformation or function, such as muuttua (to become) or tehdä (to make). In this sense, tölkiksi signals that something takes on the character or role of a can.

Grammatically, tölkiksi belongs to the translative case, one of Finnish’s word-ending cases used to mark a change of state or a designation. It is typically found in contexts where a process or outcome is described, for example when something is described as being converted into a can or used in the capacity of a can. Because the translative expresses a temporary or functional state, tölkiksi is often encountered in written language, technical descriptions, or language-learning materials rather than everyday speech.

Etymology and related forms: The word tölkiksi is formed from tölkki (can) with the translative suffix -ksi. The base word tölkki denotes a metal container. Related translative forms are common across Finnish and include words like vedeksi (into water) or mehuksi (into juice). The translative contrasts with other cases such as inessive (tölkissä, “in a can”) and elative (tölkistä, “out of a can”).

Usage notes: In practical terms, tölkiksi is most likely to appear in discussions of grammar, linguistic description, or packaging and production contexts (for example, descriptions of processes where products are canned). In everyday conversation, speakers may rely on simpler phrases or passive constructions rather than the explicit translative form.