perusinfinitiivi

Perusinfinitiivi, or the basic infinitive, is a term used in Finnish grammar to refer to the non-finite, unconjugated form of a verb that expresses the action in its general sense. It is the form most often used as the dictionary entry or lemma for a verb and serves as the citation form from which other forms are derived. The perusinfinitiivi is not marked for person, number, mood, or tense.

In practical usage, the perusinfinitiivi appears in non-finite clauses and as a complement after certain auxiliaries and modal-like verbs. Examples include sentences such as haluan syödä (I want to eat) and täytyy tehdä tehtävä (one must do the task), where syödä and tehdä are the bare infinitives expressing the action in its general sense.

Finnish has several infinitive forms beyond the perusinfinitiivi. These include variants that appear with different verb classes, as well as nominalizations formed with endings such as -minen to express the action or process (for example, lukeminen, näkeminen). The perusinfinitiivi thus functions as a base form used for forming other non-finite constructions and for deriving related word forms.

In summary, the perusinfinitiivi is the foundational non-finite form of a Finnish verb, essential for dictionary lookup and for constructing many non-finite and nominal expressions. It does not convey time or aspect on its own; these are indicated by context, auxiliaries, or finite verb endings.

See also: Finnish grammar, Infinitive, Verbs in Finnish, Nominalization.