isitko

Isitko is a term used in Finnish-language linguistics and language-learning contexts as a representative example of how the Finnish question particle -ko/-kö attaches to a verb stem to form interrogative phrases. It is not a standard dictionary entry in Finnisch reference grammars, but it serves as a model for illustrating the mechanics of question formation in Finnish.

Overview

In Finnish, the particle -ko/-kö is appended to the preceding word to indicate a question, often a yes–no question. The form is chosen to harmonize with the final vowel of the preceding element and with surrounding phonology. The resulting word can be a verb form, a noun, or another part of speech, depending on the base it attaches to. The structure is common in everyday speech, informal writing, and education materials to demonstrate how questions are constructed.

Usage and examples

As a teaching example, isitko is used to show the attachment process, even though the sequence may not appear as a standalone form in natural speech. In real Finnish, familiar interrogative forms include oletko (are you) or syötkö (do you eat). The canonical role of the -ko/-kö suffix is to transform a declarative statement into a question, with intonation often reinforcing the interrogative meaning.

See also

Finnish grammar, question formation, -ko/-kö suffix, Finnish morphology

Note: isitko functions primarily as an illustrative, non-lexical example in discussions of Finnish question formation.