leimaavaksi

Leimaavaksi is a term used in Finnish grammar to describe a translative non-finite form derived from the verb leimata, meaning to stamp or mark. It combines the present active participle stem leimaava (stamping, mark-making) with the translative suffix -ksi, which signals a change of state or designation. The resulting form, leimaavaksi, can be understood as “to become stamping” or, depending on context, as a way to indicate a person or thing taking on the role or state related to stamping. In practice, translations into English depend on the surrounding context, since the grammatical function is primarily formal.

Morphology and function: The base is the present active participle leimaava. Adding the translative suffix -ksi yields leimaavaksi. This construction is non-finite and is typically used in clauses that express becoming or designation, similar to other translative forms in Finnish. The form illustrates how the translative case interacts with participial stems to express a change of state.

Usage and notes: Leimaavaksi is considered rare and largely confined to descriptive grammar, linguistic examples, or theoretical discussions about Finnish morphology. It is not a common or productive form in everyday spoken Finnish. For most purposes, a speaker would prefer an alternative such as leimaajaksi to denote the act of becoming a stamper (the agentive form), especially when referring to a person taking on that role.

Relation to other forms: Leimaavaksi serves as a contrast to more natural expressions of change of state or designation. It demonstrates the flexibility of the translative suffix with participial stems, though its practical use is limited outside scholarly or instructional contexts.