ajattelen

Ajattelen is the first-person singular present indicative form of the Finnish verb ajatella, meaning to think. As a finite verb, it carries the subject of the sentence and is commonly used without an explicit subject in Finnish. The form signals that the speaker is thinking in the present moment or expressing a current thought.

Usage and meaning: Ajattelen is used to state one’s own thinking, opinions, or considerations. It can introduce a clause with että to convey what is being thought: “Ajattelen, että tämä on hyvä ratkaisu.” It is also used in questions: “Mitä sinä ajattelet?” In negative statements the form appears as “en ajattele,” meaning “I don’t think.” The nuance of ajattelen is often personal and tentative, distinguishing it from stronger claims such as uskon (I believe).

Grammar and related forms: The infinitive is ajatella. Other related forms include ajattelin (past tense: I thought) and ajattele (imperative: think!). The gerund or verbal noun is ajatteleminen (thinking, contemplation). Finnish verbs like ajatella are commonly used with clauses introduced by että to report thoughts or with other verbs to express intention, doubt, or evaluation.

Notes and context: Ajattelen commonly expresses a personal stance rather than a firm belief; it can be softened or clarified by following phrases or context. It contrasts with synonyms such as luulen (I suppose) or uskon (I believe), which carry different degrees of certainty. In everyday language, ajattelen is a basic, widely used form for expressing one’s current or considered thoughts.