nonfiniittisissä

Nonfiniittisissä is a Finnish linguistic term that refers to non-finite verb forms. These forms do not mark the subject or finite tense in the way that finite verbs do, and they are used in subordinate clauses, in adverbial constructions, or as modifiers. The expression nonfiniittisissä literally means “in non-finite forms,” and it is commonly found in grammar descriptions that analyze how verbs function beyond conjugated, person-marked forms.

In Finnish grammar, non-finite verb forms include the infinitives and participles. Infinitives can express purposes or actions without specifying a subject or tense, and they often appear in constructions that connect verbs with a sense of intention or result. Participles, both present and past, function as adjectives or as part of larger predicate structures. They can describe a state or an action related to a noun or to another verb, without carrying person markers. Non-finite forms also appear in adverbial or concessive contexts, where the action is linked to the main clause but not treated as a separate finite clause.

Typical uses of non-finite forms include expressing purpose, describing concurrent actions, or modifying nouns. For example, a non-finite infinitive may follow a main verb to express purpose (for instance, a phrase equivalent to “to go buy coffee”). A present or past participle can modify a noun or form part of an adverbial phrase (for example, a clause such as “ollessaan kotona” meaning “while being at home”). Past passive participles can describe results or states that are relevant to the main clause.

In linguistic descriptions, nonfiniittisissä is contrasted with finite verb forms. It is a cross-cutting concept used in Finnish grammar, syntax studies, and educational materials to explain how verb-related meaning is conveyed without person and tense marking.

See also: Finnish grammar, verb forms, infinitives, participles.