valikkona

Valikkona is a Finnish word that functions as the essive form of valikko, meaning a menu or list of options. The essive case expresses a temporary state or role, so valikkona can be understood as "as a menu" or "in the form of a menu." It is used to describe something that is presented or operating in the capacity of a menu, particularly in technical writing, software documentation, and linguistic explanations.

Etymology and grammar: The form is created by adding the essive suffix -na/-nä to valikko. The resulting form signals a temporary state or role during a process, such as describing how options are presented in a user interface. A common sense in Finnish illustrates the concept as "se näkyy valikkona," meaning "it appears as a menu." The construction is more typical in written, formal, or technical contexts than in everyday speech.

Usage and domains: Valikkona is encountered mainly in computing, localization, and interface design discussions, where authors describe elements that function as a menu. It can appear in UI descriptions, developer guides, or grammar notes that illustrate the essive case with concrete nouns. In ordinary conversation, speakers are more likely to use valikko or a paraphrase rather than the essive valikkona.

See also: valikko; essive case.