kärkien

Kärkien is the genitive plural form of the Finnish noun kärki. Kärki has several related meanings, including the tip or pointed end of an object, the apex of a shape, and, figuratively, the leading edge or forefront of a group or movement. The form kärkien is used when something belongs to or relates to multiple tips or leading elements.

In the concrete sense, kärki refers to pointed ends: the tip of a needle (neulan kärki), the point of a pencil, or the spearhead of a weapon. It can also denote the apex of a geometrical figure or the prominent front part of an object.

In figurative use, kärki denotes leadership or prominence. It appears in phrases describing top teams, leading figures, or early innovators. Examples in Finnish include kärkijoukkueet (top teams) and kärkipaikat (leading positions), where the word emphasizes being at the front or ahead of others.

Etymology and usage notes: Kärki is a native Finnish word with the basic sense of tip or apex. Kärkien is its genitive plural form and is used to indicate possession or association with multiple tips or leaders, depending on the context.