vuosiksi

Vuosiksi is a Finnish adverbial form derived from the noun vuosi (year) with the translative suffix -ksi. It expresses duration and means “for years” or “for several years.” As an adverbial expression, vuosiksi does not decline and typically modifies verbs to indicate how long an action or state lasts.

Usage and meaning: Vuosiksi is used to describe a period of years during which something occurs or continues. It often accompanies verbs related to staying, living, working, or existing in a certain condition. Examples include Hän asui ulkomailla vuosiksi (He lived abroad for years) and Tutkimus kesti vuosiksi (The study lasted for years). The emphasis is on the length of time rather than a precise number.

Nuances and alternatives: For shorter or more specific time spans, Finns may use other time forms such as kuukaudeksi (for a month) or päiväksi (for a day). The phrase vuosiksi typically conveys a relatively long duration but leaves the exact quantity unspecified. It can also express a change of status or condition lasting over several years, though the core meaning remains duration.

Related expressions: A closely related way to express ongoing duration is vuosien ajan, which translates to “over the years” or “for years.” In grammatical terms, vuosiksi is part of Finnish time expressions that utilize the translative case to indicate duration rather than a nominal case form.

See also: Finnish adverbial time expressions, translative case, duration expressions.