palvellakseen

Palvellakseen is a Finnish non-finite verb form derived from the verb palvella, meaning to serve. It functions as the infinitive of purpose, translating roughly to in order to serve or to serve. The form is created by attaching the suffix -akseen to the verb stem palvell-, producing palvellakseen.

Usage and meaning

Palvellakseen is used in subordinate clauses to express the purpose or aim of the action in the main clause. It is not a finite verb form and does not carry person or tense on its own. It often appears in sentences that describe motivational or intentional actions.

Examples

Hän opiskeli palvellakseen muita. He studied to serve others.

Hän liittyi vapaaehtoiseksi palvellakseen yhteisöä. He joined as a volunteer to serve the community.

Hallituksen tavoitteena on palvellakseen kaikkia kansalaisia. The goal is to serve all citizens.

Grammatical notes

The suffix -akseen creates the infinitive of purpose from palvella. The form is widely used across registers, from everyday speech to formal writing, and it coheres with the main clause to express intention without adding a separate finite verb.

Related forms

Palvella is the basic verb meaning to serve. Other non-finite forms of palvella exist for different grammatical functions, but palvellakseen specifically marks purpose.

See also

Finnish grammar on non-finite verb forms and infinitives of purpose.