Yhdysvaltalaisen

Yhdysvaltalainen is a Finnish demonym and adjective meaning a person from the United States, i.e., an American, or something relating to the United States. As a noun, it denotes a person; as an adjective, it describes origins or affiliation to the United States, for example yhdysvaltalainen kulttuuri meaning American culture.

The form yhdysvaltalaisen is the genitive singular of yhdysvaltalainen. It is used to indicate possession or association, such as yhdysvaltalaisen mielipide (the opinion of an American) or yhdysvaltalaisen kulttuurin vaikutus (the influence of American culture). The base is yhdysvalta, meaning “the United States,” combined with the suffix -lainen, which marks origin or belonging.

Usage notes and nuances: yhdysvaltalainen is the standard, precise term for someone from the United States. In everyday language, amerikkalainen is more commonly used and generally understood as well. The choice between them can reflect formality, register, or emphasis on nationality (yhdysvaltalainen) versus broader cultural references.

Origin and related terms: The word is formed in Finnish from yhdysvalta plus the derivational suffix -lainen. Plural forms exist as with other demonyms, but the key form for possession or specific reference is yhdysvaltalaisen in the genitive singular.

See also: demonyms, nationality terms in Finnish, amerikkalainen.

This entry provides a concise overview of the term’s meaning, formation, and typical usage in Finnish.