taminen

Taminen is a term used in Finnish grammar to describe a nominalization pattern formed by adding the derivational suffix -minen to a verb stem. The resulting word refers to the act, process, or result of the verb, functioning as an abstract noun. The form is productive in standard Finnish, and it is widely used to discuss actions in general terms.

Formation and morphology: The -minen suffix attaches to a verb stem and often requires small adjustments to the stem, such as consonant gradation or vowel changes, to fit Finnish phonology. The meaning conveyed is typically "the act of doing [the verb]." Because -minen is a common productive derivational suffix, many common action nouns in Finnish follow this pattern, for example constructions like tekeminen (doing/making), lukeminen (reading), and kirjoittaminen (writing). The exact shape of the resulting noun depends on the underlying verb.

Usage in syntax: Nouns formed with -minen behave like other Finnish nouns. They can act as subjects or objects in a sentence and can take case endings (nominative, genitive, partitive, etc.) and possessive suffixes when appropriate. They can be modified by adjectives or qualified by relative clauses, and they often occur in general statements about activities or processes. In linguistic descriptions, -minen nouns are contrasted with other nominalizations such as -ja or -va/-vä, which may convey different nuances.

Relation to language studies: In Finnish grammars, -minen is described as one of the primary means of deverbal noun formation. It is important for discussing actions in abstract terms, formalizing processes, and building compound expressions with other modifiers or nouns.

See also: Finnish grammar, deverbal noun, nominalization, -minen derivation.