romaanien

Romaani is the Finnish word for a novel, a long prose work of fiction. The genitive plural romaanien means “of novels” or “the novels.” In Finnish grammar, the base forms are romaani (singular nominative), romaanit (plural nominative), romaanin (singular genitive), and romaanien (plural genitive). The term romaani is a loanword in Finnish, commonly traced to Swedish or other European sources, reflecting the broader European tradition of the novel as a literary form.

A novel typically presents a structured narrative centered on characters, plot, and setting. It often explores themes through development over time and may employ various subgenres, such as realism, historical fiction, science fiction, or romance. Length and scope vary, but novels are distinguished from shorter forms like short stories or novellas by their more expansive narrative arc and deeper character exploration.

Finnish literature has a rich tradition of novels, beginning in the 19th century as national language and culture grew. Notable works and authors include Aleksi (Aleksis) Kivi, often regarded as a pioneer of Finnish prose with Seitsemän veljestä; Väinö Linna, known for Tuntematon sotilas (The Unknown Soldier); and Mika Waltari, whose historical novel The Egyptian gained international renown. Contemporary Finnish novels continue to span diverse genres and voices, reflecting social change, identity, and imaginative storytelling.

In usage, romaanien appears in phrases that denote possession or relation to multiple novels, such as romaanien juoniraportti (the plots of the novels) or romaanien kirjoittajat (the authors of the novels).