erillaiset

Erilaiset is a Finnish adjective in its plural form, meaning “different” or “various.” It is used to describe multiple nouns and indicates diversity or a distinction among kinds, groups, or categories. For example, erilaiset ihmiset means “different people,” and erilaiset vaihtoehdot means “different/various options.” In sentence structure, erilaiset can function both attributively (before a noun) and predicatively (after a linking verb), as in Nämä vaihtoehdot ovat erilaiset (these options are different).

Etymology and grammar: The word stems from eri- meaning “different” and the suffix -lainen, which forms adjectives from stems. In Finnish, adjectives agree with the noun they modify in number and case, so erilaiset changes form to match the noun it accompanies. The base form is erilainen (singular), with erilaiset being the nominative plural. Other forms include erilaisia (partitive plural), erilaisten (genitive plural), etc. Although primarily an adjective, erilaiset can appear in contexts where the speaker refers to “the different ones” as a grouped idea, but it is most common to pair it with a noun phrase.

Usage and nuance: Erilaiset conveys a sense of heterogeneity or contrast among items, ideas, or people. It is widely used in everyday language as well as in media, education, and analysis to highlight variety rather than sameness. It should not be confused with synonyms that stress numerical diversity more explicitly, such as moninaiset, which emphasizes plurality.

See also: erilainen, erilaistuminen, erilaistaminen, erisnimi.