Vaikutavat

Vaikutavat is a Finnish word that can function in two main ways, depending on its grammatical role. It is the plural present tense form of the verb vaikuttaa, meaning “they influence” or “they affect.” It can also be the attributive plural form of the adjective vaikuttava, meaning “influential,” “impressive,” or “having an effect,” used before a plural noun.

As a verb, vaikuttaa is transitive and governs objects in cases such as partitive or illative, depending on the context. Examples: “Nämä tekijät vaikuttavat lopulliseen tulokseen” (These factors influence the final result). In this use, vaikutavat expresses action performed by a plural subject.

As an adjective, vaikuttava describes something or someone that has influence or impact. In plural, the form is vaikuttavat, as in “vaikuttavat tekijät” (influential factors) or “vaikuttavat henkilöt” (influential people). In this sense, the nuance often aligns with English “influential” or “impressive,” but it can also convey strong effectiveness depending on context.

Etymology and related forms: vaikuttaa is derived from the root vaik- meaning to have an effect. Related nouns include vaikutus (influence, effect) and vaikuttavuus (influence, impactfulness). The word appears in academic, journalistic, and everyday Finnish to denote influence, impact, or significance.

See also: vaikuttaa, vaikutus, vaikuttava, vaikuttavuus, vaikutusvalta.

In summary, vaikutavat can mean “they influence” when used as a verb form, or “influential/impressive” when used as an adjective in plural, with meaning shaped by surrounding nouns and context.