kirjaa

Kirjaa is the partitive singular form of the Finnish noun kirja, meaning “book.” In Finnish grammar, the partitive case marks indefinite or partially specified objects and is commonly used in negation and with expressions of quantity. Therefore kirjaa functions as a direct object in contexts where the object is not fully definite or when describing a portion or amount of a book, rather than a single, specific book.

Morphology and related forms: kirjaa is formed from kirja by adding the partitive suffix -a, in harmony with Finnish vowel patterns. The plural form is kirjoja, the genitive is kirjan, and the elative is kirjasta. These related forms illustrate how Finnish nouns shift case and number to convey precise meaning.

Usage notes: In negative clauses, the partitive is typical: En lukenut kirjaa. The partitive also appears with certain numerals and quantity expressions, and with verbs that take a non-definite object. Because Finnish grammar relies on case to signal definiteness and quantity, kirjaa helps indicate that the reference is not to a single, fully specified book.

Etymology: kirja is a native Finnish word, and kirjaa represents the standard partitive singular form derived from that root. The term is commonly encountered in everyday Finnish, in both spoken and written language.

See also: kirja, kirjoittaa, kirjasto.