partitiivit

Partitiivit, or the partitive, is a grammatical case in Finnish used to mark partial or indefinite objects, quantities, or actions that are not completed. It signals that the object is not seen as a whole or fully specified, and it is common with ongoing states, non-exhaustive quantities, and indefinite items. The partitiivi contrasts with the nominative or accusative forms that label definite, whole objects.

Usage and forms:

In singular, the partitive often ends with -a/-ä for many nouns (kissa -> kissaa; koira -> koiraa; omena -> omenaa). Some nouns use -ta/-tä (vesi -> vettä). The partitiivi singular also includes irregular patterns, for example vesi -> vettä. In plural, the partitiivi commonly ends in -ia or -oja/-uja (kissat -> kissoja; omenat -> omenia). It is used after negation: En näe kissaa (I do not see a cat), and after expressions of quantity or indefinite amount, as in Minulla on vettä (I have some water) or Haluaisin kahvia (I would like some coffee). With numerals, the noun is typically in the partitive singular: kolme kissaa. The exact form depends on the noun’s stem and vowel harmony.

Notes:

The partitiivi is a central feature of Finnish grammar and is essential for correct expression of meaning, including how quantity and indefiniteness are conveyed in sentences.