katsomaan

Katsomaan is the third infinitive form (the ma-infinitive) of the Finnish verb katsoa, meaning to look or to watch. In Finnish grammar, the ma-infinitive is used to express action in a non-finite form, often to indicate purpose or to form constructions with verbs of motion or intention.

Formation and usage: The third infinitive is created by adding -maan or -mään to the verb stem, depending on vowel harmony. For katsoa, the stem katso- takes the form katsomaan. This form appears in expressions such as mennä katsomaan (to go to watch/see) or tulla katsomaan (to come to see). It is common in sentences where the speaker’s purpose is shown, rather than in simple, standalone statements.

Examples:

- Menen katsomaan elokuvaa. (I am going to watch a movie.)

- Hän tuli katsomaan minua. (He came to see me.)

- Olemme menossa katsomaan ystävää. (We are on our way to visit a friend.)

Notes and nuances: The katsomaan form is most frequent in intentional or purposive contexts and tends to appear after verbs of movement or intention (go, come, be on the way). In everyday speech, Finns may choose other constructions depending on rhythm and formality, but katsomaan remains a standard way to express the idea “to go to watch/see.”

See also: katsoa, ma-infinitive, Finnish infinitives.