ääntäkään

ääntäkään is a Finnish word that functions as a negative imperative particle. It is primarily used to form commands or prohibitions in the negative sense, often implying a stronger or more emphatic negation than the simple negative particle "älä". The word is a combination of the negative imperative "älä" (do not) and the clitic particle "-kään" which adds emphasis or suggests a continuation of a previous statement or thought.

ääntäkään is attached to the verb it negates. For example, "ääntäkään puhu!" literally translates to "do not speak (either)!" or "don't you dare speak!". The "-kään" particle can be thought of as adding a sense of "even" or "also" to the negation, implying that this particular action should not be done, perhaps in addition to other things or as a reaction to a specific circumstance. It can convey a sense of urgency, warning, or even exasperation.

The usage of ääntäkään is typically found in spoken Finnish and can add a distinct flavor to commands. While it is grammatically correct, its use is more colloquial than formal. Understanding ääntäkään is important for comprehending the nuances of negative imperatives in Finnish, particularly in informal contexts where speakers might wish to convey a more forceful prohibition.