iäksi

iäksi is a Finnish adverb meaning forever, for life, or permanently. It conveys a sense of an enduring duration that extends indefinitely into the future. In standard Finnish, it can emphasize lasting permanence, and it is commonly found in literary, religious, and formal contexts. In everyday speech, speakers more often choose synonyms such as ikuisesti or pitkäksi aikaa, depending on nuance.

Usage and nuance: iäksi typically signals a lasting state or commitment without a stated end. It can be used with verbs and nominal phrases, for example in phrases like "pysyvästi iäksi" or "asua iäksi," though in practice it often appears in fixed expressions or poetic language. It is less common in casual conversation where simpler or more precise terms might be preferred. The sense of permanence can carry a solemn or dramatic tone, and the expression is frequently encountered in literature, hymns, and translations.

Etymology and history: iäksi likely originates from the Finnish word ikä (age) with the instrumental/supplemental suffix -ksi, forming a meaning related to duration or state applicable for life. The form has a long-standing presence in Finnish and is associated with archaic, ceremonial, or elevated prose. Related expressions include iänikuisesti and iäti, which share the broader idea of eternity or perpetual duration.

Related terms: Ikuisesti (eternally, forever), iäti (eternally, in older or more formal usage), ikuinen (eternal). While related, these terms vary in register and exact nuance; iäksi often carries a more literary or solemn tone than everyday synonyms.

See also: Finnish language idioms and religious or literary Finnish where permanent or eternal duration is discussed.