Focus adverbs (jopa, ei edes)

To emphasize extreme or surprising degrees, Finnish uses the focus adverbs jopa (even) and edes (even). The one you choose depends on whether the sentence is affirmative or negative.

The Affirmative: jopa

In affirmative sentences, use jopa ("even"). Place it directly before the word or phrase you want to emphasize.

The human body shocks even doctors.
Ihmiskeho järkyttää jopa lääkäreitä.
The human body can persevere even in a cold forest.
Ihmiskeho voi sinnitellä jopa kylmässä metsässä.
This exceptional achievement is even miraculous.
Tämä poikkeuksellinen saavutus on jopa ihmeellinen.

The Negative: ei edes

In negative sentences, jopa cannot be used. Instead, combine the negative verb (en, et, ei, etc.) with edes to mean "not even". Place edes right before the emphasized word.

Not even a professional is able to do this physical task.
Ei edes ammattilainen kykene tähän fyysiseen tehtävään.
Not even the human body survives without water.
Ei edes ihmiskeho selviydy ilman vettä.

The negative verb conjugates as usual to match the subject (en, et, ei, emme, ette, eivät), whether it is emphasizing a noun or an action.

He did not even get discouraged, because he has incredible mental power.
Hän ei edes lannistunut, koska hänellä on uskomaton henkinen voima.
We will not even get discouraged, but we will persevere.
Me emme edes lannistu, vaan sinnittelemme.