tarvitsevaksi

Tarvitsevaksi is a Finnish grammatical form derived from the verb tarvita (to need). It represents the translative form of the present-active participle tarvitseva (needing) and is used to express a change of state into being in need or into a situation characterized by needing something. It is not a common everyday word but appears in linguistic descriptions, formal writing, and grammars where precise morphology is discussed.

Morphology and function: The form is built from the stem tarvi- of tarvita, combined with the participial ending -seva to yield a form meaning “needing,” and the translative suffix -ksi to signal a change of state (into needing). The resulting phrase is typically used with verbs of becoming (tulla) or with the copula to express a transition, as in Hanke on tullut tarvitsevaksi lisävaroille (The project has become in need of additional funds). It can be contrasted with tarvittava (needed, requisite) and tarvittavaksi (to become needed), which are more common in everyday language.

Usage notes: Tarvitsevaksi is relatively uncommon and marks a specialized, formal register. It is most likely to be found in grammars, linguistic discussions, or careful written Finnish rather than in casual speech. In everyday language, speakers may instead use more straightforward constructions such as “tarvitsee” or “on tarpeellinen” to convey need or necessity.

See also: tarvita, tarve, tarvittava, translatiivi, Finnish grammar.