toistamaan

Toistamaan is the second infinitive (II-infinitiivi) of the Finnish verb toistaa, meaning “to repeat.” In Finnish grammar, the second infinitive is a non-finite form used in a limited set of constructions, typically in more formal, descriptive, or written styles. The form is created by attaching the suffix -maan or -mään to the verb stem, producing toistamaan from toistaa. The II-infinitive differs from the first infinitive (toistaa) in its syntactic role: it does not usually function as the main predicate of a clause, but rather accompanies another verb to convey aspects such as purpose, intention, or sequential action in a compact non-finite clause.

Usage of the II-infinitive is relatively narrow in modern spoken Finnish. It often appears in instructional, theoretical, or historical texts, and in translations or literary prose that aim to imitate older Finnish stylistic levels. Its presence can indicate a linkage between actions, a manner of expressing aim, or a subtle sequence of events within a single construction. Because of its formal or archaizing tone, the II-infinitive is less common in everyday conversation, where speakers typically rely on the first infinitive or finite verb forms.

Etymologically, toistamaan follows a general pattern for forming the II-infinitive with -maan/-mään. As a grammatical form, it serves to expand the range of non-finite verb expressions in Finnish, enabling concise phrasing of purpose or related actions without altering the core lexical meaning of toistaa (“to repeat”). See also toistaa, Finnish grammar, infinitives.