määriteinfinitiiveihin

Määriteinfinitiivi is a Finnish grammatical term referring to an infinitive clause that functions as a determinant or modifier. It typically specifies the purpose, condition, or manner of the main clause's action. Unlike the more common function of infinitives as direct objects or subjects, the määriteinfinitiivi clarifies or elaborates on another part of the sentence.

This construction often translates to English using phrases like "to...", "in order to...", or a gerund. For example, in the sentence "Hän tuli tapaamaan sinua" (He came to meet you), "tapaamaan" is a määriteinfinitiivi indicating the purpose of his coming. Similarly, "Tämä on hyvä paikka asua" (This is a good place to live) uses "asua" to describe the quality of the place.

The use of different infinitive forms (e.g., -minen, -maan/-mään, -massa/-mässä, -matta) can subtly alter the nuance of the määriteinfinitiivi. The choice of infinitive form depends on the verb in the main clause and the specific relationship being expressed. Understanding the määriteinfinitiivi is crucial for comprehending the subtle meanings and structures of Finnish sentences, particularly when dealing with subordinate clauses that express purpose or qualification. It plays a significant role in making Finnish sentences more descriptive and precise.