päättymistavat

Päättymistavat refers to the various ways a Finnish verb can end, or more precisely, the different forms that a verb can take in its infinitive or stem to indicate its conjugation class. Finnish verbs are traditionally categorized into ten main conjugation groups, and the ending of the verb in its dictionary form (infinitive) often signals which group it belongs to. These endings are not arbitrary but follow predictable patterns that are crucial for understanding and correctly conjugating Finnish verbs.

The primary infinitive ending in Finnish is -t, as in puhua (to speak) or lukea (to read). However, the preceding vowel or consonant often varies, and this variation is key to identifying the conjugation group. For example, verbs ending in -ua/-yä often belong to the first conjugation group, while those ending in -da/-dä typically fall into the second or third groups, depending on the preceding vowel. Other infinitive endings like -a/-ä can also indicate specific conjugation patterns.

Understanding these päättymistavat is fundamental for learners of Finnish. It allows for the prediction of how a verb will change in different tenses, moods, and persons. While there are ten traditional groups, they can be further subdivided or simplified into fewer main patterns depending on the grammatical approach. Mastering these verb endings is a significant step in achieving fluency in the Finnish language.