kilpaillakseen

Kilpaillakseen is a Finnish verb form. It is the third infinitive form of the verb "kilpailla," which means "to compete" or "to race." The ending "-kseen" indicates that the verb is used to express a purpose or intention, essentially meaning "in order to compete" or "for competing." This grammatical construction is often used in sentences where an action is performed with the goal of engaging in a competition.

For example, one might say "Hän meni kaupunkiin kilpaillakseen" which translates to "He went to the city in order to compete." The verb "kilpailla" itself can refer to a wide range of competitive activities, from sporting events to academic contests or even business rivalries. The "-kseen" ending adds a specific nuance, emphasizing the reason behind the preceding action. Understanding this verb form is crucial for comprehending the purpose behind an action within Finnish grammar. It highlights the forward-looking aspect of a verb, where the action described by the infinitive is the intended outcome or objective of another action.