heikkoa

Heikkoa is the partitive singular form of the Finnish adjective heikko, meaning weak or fragile. It is used when the noun it describes is in the partitive case or when referring to an indefinite or unquantified amount. In predicative constructions with mass or uncountable nouns, the partitive form is common, as in kahvi on heikkoa (the coffee is weak).

Grammatically, Finnish adjectives agree with the nouns they modify in number and case. The partitive singular suffix for adjectives is -a or -ä, depending on vowel harmony, so heikko becomes heikkoa in the partitive singular. The corresponding forms for other cases and numbers follow regular adjective inflection patterns.

Usage notes: heikkoa often conveys a qualitative judgment about quality, strength, or capability rather than physical power alone. It can describe non-solid or temporary conditions as well as inherent weaknesses in objects, systems, or performances. In negations or with certain verb constructions, the partitive form is also standard, aligning with Finnish grammar that prefers the partitive with certain predicates involving indefinite quantities.

Examples:

- Kahvi on heikkoa.

- Suojaus on heikkoa.

- Suorituskyky on heikkoa ohjelmistoa käytettäessä.

Related forms and antonyms: the comparative form is heikompi and the superlative he, e.g., heikoimpia. Antonym: vahva. The noun form for the concept of weakness is heikkous.

See also: Finnish adjective inflection, partitive case, heikko (as an adjective’s base form).