kaveriksi

Kaveriksi is a Finnish word in the translative case of the noun kaveri, meaning “as a friend” or “into the role of a friend.” The translative suffix -ksi expresses a change of state or a designation of a role, rather than a static relationship. Thus kaveriksi is used when something becomes or is assigned the status of being a friend, often with verbs that denote becoming or assuming responsibility, such as tulla (to become), ryhtyä (to undertake), or toimia (to function as).

Finnish distinguishes the translative -ksi from the essive -na/-nä, which marks a temporary state. Kaveriksi emphasizes a transition or a defined role, whereas kaverina would describe a more immediate, perhaps temporary, state of “as a friend” in a given moment.

Usage notes: Kaveriksi appears in everyday speech and writing to describe someone being regarded or used in the capacity of a friend, for example in contexts of forming a friendship, teamwork, or informal cooperation. It is considered neutral and widely understood across registers.

Etymology and related forms: The word is built from kaveri (friend) with the translative suffix -ksi. Related forms include kaveri (the base noun) and, in the broader sense, kaverisuhde (a friendship relation).