aktiivipassiivi

Aktiivipassiivi is a Finnish grammatical term referring to a construction where the agent performing the action is explicitly stated, often using the preposition "avulla" (with the help of) or similar phrases. This contrasts with the typical passive voice in Finnish, where the agent is usually omitted. For example, in the sentence "Kirja luettiin" (The book was read), the agent is unknown. However, in an aktiivipassiivi construction, one might say "Kirja luettiin opettajan avulla" (The book was read with the teacher's help). This form emphasizes that an agent was involved, even though the verb itself remains in the passive form. It is often used to clarify responsibility or to attribute an action to a specific entity or group. The aktiivipassiivi is not a distinct verb form but rather a periphrastic construction utilizing passive verb forms with an added agent phrase. It can appear in various tenses and moods, mirroring the passive voice. Understanding this construction is key to comprehending nuances of agency and attribution in Finnish.