adjektiivivartalon

Adjektiivivartalo, often translated as adjective stem or root, refers to the base form of an adjective in Finnish grammar before any grammatical suffixes are added. These suffixes can indicate case, number, or definiteness. For example, the adjective "kaunis" (beautiful) has the adjective stem "kaunis". When it is used in the nominative singular, it remains "kaunis". However, in other forms, suffixes are added. For instance, in the genitive singular, it becomes "kauniin", where "kaunis" is the stem and "-n" is the genitive suffix. Similarly, in the partitive singular, it is "kaunista", with "-ta" as the partitive suffix.

The concept of the adjective stem is crucial for understanding Finnish adjective declension. It is the invariant part of the adjective that carries its core meaning. While most adjective stems are straightforward, some adjectives have different stem forms depending on their grammatical environment, particularly when they are preceded by a possessive suffix or in certain comparative and superlative forms. However, for most basic declension, the nominative singular form serves as the primary adjective stem. Recognizing and identifying the adjective stem is a fundamental step in learning Finnish adjective morphology and mastering the correct usage of adjectives in various grammatical contexts.