Varastamaan

Varastamaan is the ma-infinitive form of the Finnish verb varastaa, meaning to steal. The ma-infinitive is a non-finite verb form used to express purpose or intention and to form certain periphrastic constructions. It is not conjugated for person or tense; instead, it combines with a finite verb to indicate time or aspect. The ending -maan or -mään is chosen according to vowel harmony.

In usage, varastamaan commonly appears after verbs of motion or intent, such as mennä, tulla, or lähteä, to express purpose: mennä varastamaan (to go steal / to steal). It can also occur in other constructions that require an infinitival complement, for example in clauses that describe plans or intentions. The form thus functions similarly to other Finnish ma-infinitives used to express aim or purpose.

Varastamaan contrasts with varastaminen, the noun form meaning theft or the act of stealing. While varastamaan denotes the act of intending to steal in a non-finite way, varastaminen refers to the theft itself as a concept or crime.

Examples:

- Hän lähti varastamaan. (He left to steal.)

- He menivät varastamaan kaupasta. (They went to steal from the store.)

- Varastaminen on rikos. (Theft is a crime.)

Notes:

- The ma-infinitive is characteristic of Finnish grammar and appears in many verbs, not only varastaa.

- Its exact spelling (-maan vs -mään) follows Finnish vowel harmony rules.