kuolleiden

Kuolleiden is the genitive plural form of the Finnish noun kuolleet, which means “the dead” or “the deceased.” In this usage, kuolleet refers to dead people as a group, while kuolleiden indicates possession or association with that group, as in phrases like kuolleiden muistoksi (in memory of the dead) or kuolleiden nimet (the names of the dead). The form appears primarily in formal, historical, or memorial contexts rather than in casual everyday speech.

Linguistic note: Finnish grammar uses the genitive plural to show belonging or relation. For kuolleet, the genitive plural becomes kuolleiden. This form is used with nouns following it, such as muistoksi, nimet, tai kirjat kuolleiden?—for example, "kuolleiden muistolle" means “for the memory of the dead.”

Usage and context: Kuolleiden often occurs in inscriptions, commemorations, obituaries, and historical writing. It can appear in memorial texts, cemeteries, and public ceremonies, where the focus is on remembering or honoring those who have died. The term is neutral and descriptive, without implying judgment or sentiment beyond the act of remembrance.

Related terms: kuolleet (the dead, plural nominative), kuolleet ovat kuollut? (dead as a state), muistaminen (remembering), hautaaminen (burial), hautajaiset (funeral), pyhäinpäivä (All Saints’ Day).

Note: Kuolleiden is a grammatical form rather than a stand-alone concept; its meaning depends on the surrounding words and the context in which it is used.