eikä

**eikä**

*eikä* is a Finnish word that functions as a negative conjunction, often used to emphasize negation or contrast. It translates roughly to "and not," "but not," or "yet not" in English, depending on context. The phrase typically follows a negative statement to further restrict or qualify it, creating a stronger emphasis on the absence of something.

In Finnish grammar, *eikä* is part of the *ei* (not) + *kä* (not) construction, which is common in colloquial speech and informal writing. It is often used in questions, statements, or exclamations to soften or intensify negation. For example, *"Ei hän käy sinä päivänä"* (He does not go on that day) or *"Eikä minä tiedä"* (I do not know).

The word is closely related to *kä*, which can also stand alone to mean "not" or "yet not." Together, they form a more emphatic negative structure, often heard in casual conversation. While *ei* alone is more common in formal writing, *eikä* adds a conversational, almost conversational tone.

In modern Finnish, *eikä* is widely understood and used, particularly in speech, where it helps to clarify or reinforce a negative point. It reflects the language’s flexibility in expressing nuanced meanings through simple word combinations.