Appointing and Naming (The Translative Case)
In Finnish, when you assign a role, title, or name to someone, you use the translative case. The translative case generally expresses a state of change, a transition, or a role someone steps into. It is formed by adding the ending -ksi to the word stem.
When using verbs of naming, electing, or appointing, the sentence structure is typically: Subject + Verb + Object + Role/Name in Translative (-ksi).
Calling and Christening
To express what you call someone (such as assigning a nickname) or what you christen a ship or child, use verbs like kutsua (to call) and ristiä (to christen). The person or thing being named is the object, and the assigned name takes the -ksi ending.
| My new nickname is Bear, because my friends call me Bear. | Uusi lempinimeni on Karhu, koska ystäväni kutsuvat minua Karhuksi. |
| We christened the new boat Bear. | Me ristimme uuden veneen Karhuksi. |
Electing and Appointing to a Role
This structure is essential when talking about clubs, associations, or workplaces. Verbs like valita (to elect/choose) and nimittää (to appoint) require the translative case for the newly assigned position, such as a treasurer (rahastonhoitaja) or vice chairperson (varapuheenjohtaja).
| We elected you as the association's treasurer. | Me valitsimme sinut yhdistyksen rahastonhoitajaksi. |
| The board of directors appointed him as the vice chairperson yesterday. | Johtokunta nimitti hänet eilen varapuheenjohtajaksi. |
Just like with other cases in Finnish, if the role is described by an adjective, both the adjective and the noun must agree and take the -ksi ending. For example, "new" (uusi) becomes uudeksi.
| The boss appointed me as the project's new person in charge. | Pomo nimitti minut projektin uudeksi vastuuhenkilöksi. |
Declaring
The verb julistaa (to declare) behaves the exact same way. The status, condition, or title being declared must be in the translative case.
| The annual meeting declared the boy the winner unanimously. | Vuosikokous julisti pojan yksimielisesti voittajaksi. |