vaihtunut

Vaihtunut is the past participle of the Finnish verb vaihtua, meaning to change, become different, or be replaced. In Finnish it functions both as a verbal adjective and as part of compound verb forms with olla to express that something has undergone a change. The term is neutral and common in everyday language as well as in more formal or technical contexts.

Usage and forms

Vaihtunut can describe a completed change in state, condition, or substitution. It is used in predicates such as has/has been: “Salasana on vaihtunut” (The password has changed). It can also serve as an attributive adjective in noun phrases, though the form is declined to match the noun: “vaihtuneen tilan” (the changed state) or “vaihtuneen käytännön tilalle” (in place of the changed practice). In plural contexts, the form changes accordingly (e.g., “vaihtuneet käytännöt” for changed practices).

Related meanings and distinctions

Vaihtua emphasizes a process of change or replacement, often implying a switch from one thing to another. It is closely related to, but distinct from, muuttaa, which more broadly means to modify or alter and can refer to gradual or intentional changes. The past participle vaihtunut specifically signals that the change has already occurred and is now the current state.

Examples

- Salasana on vaihtunut. (The password has changed.)

- Viime vuosina kaupungin kaupunkikuva on vaihtunut. (In recent years, the city’s landscape has changed.)

- Valikoima on vaihtunut markkinatilanteen muuttuessa. (The assortment has changed as the market situation changed.)

See also

Finnish verbs related to change: vaihtua, muuttaa, korvata.