vanhin

Vanhin is a Finnish word that functions as both an adjective and a noun, meaning the oldest or eldest among a group. It is the superlative form of vanha, which means old. The form is used to indicate the greatest degree of age within a set, whether describing people, animals, or objects.

As an adjective, vanhin modifies a noun directly: for example, vanhin lapsista means the oldest of the children, and talon vanhin asukas means the oldest resident of the house. It can also appear in predicative position as part of a larger noun phrase, such as Hän on vanhin or Hän on talon vanhin, meaning He/she is the eldest or the eldest member of the house. In plural contexts, the corresponding form is vanhimmat: vanhimmat lapset would mean the oldest children.

As a noun, vanhin can refer to a person who holds the eldest position within a group, often implying respect or seniority in a family or community context. The usage is generally neutral, though it can carry cultural nuance depending on the setting.

Etymology and related forms: vanhin is derived from vanha with the superlative suffix -in. The related comparative form is vanhempi, meaning older, which is used to compare two or more items without asserting the extreme degree implied by the superlative.

In summary, vanhin is a versatile Finnish term for identifying the eldest in a group and can function both as an adjective and as a noun, applicable to people, animals, and even inanimate objects in appropriate contexts.