loistavat

Loistavat is a Finnish adjective form, the nominative plural of loistava. It functions as a descriptive modifier for plural nouns and can also serve as a predicate adjective after a linking verb, such as olla (to be).

Meaning and usage

Loistava is commonly translated as “brilliant,” “shiny,” “splendid,” or “excellent,” depending on context. It can describe brightness or glow as well as high quality, skill, or merit. The plural form loistavat is used when the subject is plural, for example with nouns referring to people, things, ideas, or performances.

Grammar and examples

As an adjective, loistavat agrees with the noun it describes in number and case. Examples:

- Nämä ideat ovat loistavat. (These ideas are brilliant.)

- Valot ovat loistavat. (The lights are brilliant/shiny.)

In genitive or other cases, forms change accordingly, for example loistavien with a following noun in genitive plural (e.g., loistavien ideoiden).

Etymology and related forms

Loistavat derives from loistaa, meaning “to shine,” with loiste meaning “glow” or “sheen.” Related forms include loistava (singular), loistava (predicative form with singular subjects), and loiste (noun). Other related adjectives express brightness or excellence, such as loistokas or loisteli.

Translation and nuance

Loistavat conveys both brightness and high quality. In everyday Finnish, it often emphasizes impressive performance, appearance, or ideas rather than mere physical brightness, depending on context.

See also

Loistava, loiste, loistokas, loisteli.