translativeplural

Translativeplural is a linguistic term used to describe the combination of a translative case with plural number to express a change of state that involves multiple entities. The translative expresses becoming or turning into something, and when applied to a plural noun, the form conveys becoming multiple items or adopting a plural state.

In practice, translative plural is most observable in Finnish, where the translative case marks a change of state and the noun can be inflected for number. The translative suffix in Finnic languages is typically -ksi, and plural meanings arise from the noun’s plural context in the sentence. For example, in Finnish the singular “opettajaksi” means “to become a teacher,” while the plural form “opettajiksi” can be used with a plural subject to mean “to become teachers” or “as teachers.” A sentence such as “He tulevat opettajiksi” translates to “They become teachers,” illustrating how the translative plural communicates a change of state affecting multiple entities.

Typologically, translative plural is not a universal category across languages. Some languages with a translative case may mark number separately, while others rely on surrounding syntax to indicate plurality. When present, translative plural adds a layer of meaning beyond pure location or state, signaling a transformative outcome that involves more than one object or participant.

See also translative case, Finnish grammar, and grammatical number.