ensimmäiset

Ensimmäiset is a Finnish word that functions as the plural form of the adjective ensimmäinen, meaning “the first.” It can be used both as a determiner preceding a noun and as a substantive referring to the group of people or items that are first in a sequence. In everyday language and in formal writing, ensimmäiset signals early position or initial occurrence.

Etymology and grammar: Ensimmäiset derives from ensimmäinen and agrees in number and case with the noun it modifies. When used as a substantive, it stands on its own to denote “the first ones” without repeating the noun already in context. This flexibility makes ensimmäiset common in discussions of beginnings, such as events, groups, or examples.

Uses and contexts: The term appears across domains to indicate early or initial instances. In historical, ethnographic, or archaeological writing it can refer to the earliest groups, cultures, or settlers. In journalism and literature, ensimmäiset may appear in headlines or narrative phrases to mark inaugural episodes, generations, or introductory phases. In everyday speech, it often emphasizes priority or novelty, as in describing the first arrivals, experiments, or achievements.

Examples of usage: “Ensimmäiset kokeet onnistuivat” (The first experiments succeeded) and “Ensimmäiset saapuneet” (the first ones have arrived) illustrate how the form functions in sentences. In media and publishing, variations such as ensimmäiset asukkaat or ensimmäiset vaiheiden voivat appear as part of broader descriptions of beginnings.

See also: ensimmäinen; Finnish language grammar; Early Finnish history; first in Finnish contexts.