Change of state (-ksi)

The Translative Case (-ksi)

In Finnish, the translative case describes a change of state, such as becoming something new or transforming into a new role. While the essive case (-na/-nä) describes being in a temporary state or role, the translative describes the process of entering that state.

To form it, add the ending -ksi to the inflected stem of a noun or adjective.

Changing States

When talking about transformations, the translative case is often paired with verbs like muuttua (to change) or tulla (to become).

If a word ends in -nen, its stem changes to -se- before adding the ending. For example, todellinen (real) becomes todelliseksi.

The verb tulla usually means "to come", but paired with a word in the translative case, it means "to become".

Becoming a Professional

The translative case is also used when training, studying to enter a profession, or graduating. Verbs like opiskella (to study) and valmistua (to graduate) are followed by the target profession in the translative case.

Deadlines and Time Limits

Another common use for the translative case is to express a deadline by which something will happen or be ready. In English, this translates as "by" (e.g., "by Friday" or "by autumn").

The verb valmistua is especially useful here, as it can also mean "to be completed" for buildings or projects.

You can use multiple translative endings in the same sentence to express both a change of state and a deadline.