suomalaiseksi

Suomalaiseksi is the translative singular form of the Finnish adjective suomalainen, meaning a Finnish person or Finnish in general. It is used to express becoming Finnish, or taking on the role or identity of a Finn. In Finnish, the translative case marks a change of state and is often used with verbs that denote turning into something, most commonly with the verb tulla.

Usage and examples

The most typical construction is tulla suomalaiseksi: Hän on tullut suomalaiseksi. This translates as “He has become Finnish” or more naturally, “He has become a Finn.” The translative form can also appear with other predicates of change, for example: Hän haluaa tulla suomalaiseksi (He wants to become Finnish). In plural references, the form becomes suomalaisiksi: Monet muuttavat Suomeen ja tulevat suomalaisiksi (Many move to Finland and become Finns).

Relationship to citizenship

suomalaiseksi does not indicate legal citizenship. It expresses identity or belonging, often related to language, culture, or residence. Legal citizenship for Finland is described with terms like Suomen kansalaisuus, not with translative forms of suomalainen.

Etymology and grammar

The word derives from Suomi, the Finnish name for the country, with the suffix -lainen forming a demonym, plus the translative suffix -ksi. Thus suomalainen means a Finnish person, and suomalaiseksi signals becoming or turning into a Finnish person.

Notes

As a translative form, suomalaiseksi is gender-neutral and used in various contexts where a change of state into “Finnish” is being described. It is part of standard Finnish grammar and appears in both spoken and written use.