huomatta

Huomatta is a Finnish non-finite verb form, a negative adverbial participle derived from the verb huomata, meaning to notice. It expresses that an action is performed without noticing something else and is used to add circumstantial information to a main clause. The form functions as an adverbial modifier and is commonly found in written Finnish as well as in narrative speech.

Morphology and usage: The -matta suffix attaches to the verb stem to create the non-finite clause. The resulting form accompanies the main clause and typically shares its subject. It often appears after a comma, for example: Hän kulki ohi, huomatta minua. This indicates that the subject walked past without noticing me.

Semantics and nuance: huomatta emphasizes a lack of perception rather than intent. It is contrasted with the affirmative gerund muodossa 'huomaten' (noticing) and other expressions that refer to attention. In modern Finnish, 'huomatta' is most common in formal or literary contexts; in everyday speech speakers may choose circumstantial phrases or other participles to convey similar meaning.

See also: huomata, huomio, adverbial participle.