lähisõna

Lähisõna, also known as a bound morpheme, is a type of affix that cannot stand alone as a word but is attached to a root or stem to create a new word. Lähisõnad are essential components of many languages, particularly those with rich morphology, such as Finnish, Estonian, and Hungarian. There are two main types of lähisõnad: prefixes and suffixes.

Prefixes are added to the beginning of a root or stem. They often change the meaning of the word. For example, in Finnish, the prefix "ei-" is used to negate a verb, as in "ei ole" (is not).

Suffixes are added to the end of a root or stem. They can change the grammatical function of the word, such as changing a noun into an adjective or a verb into a noun. For instance, in Estonian, the suffix "-ne" turns a verb into a noun, as in "rääkima" (to speak) becoming "rääkimine" (speaking).

Lähisõnad play a crucial role in the grammar of many languages. They help create a wide range of words from a limited set of roots, contributing to the richness and flexibility of the language. However, their use can also make language learning more challenging, as learners must understand the specific meanings and grammatical functions of each affix.