Indefinite Dual Pronouns
When choosing between exactly two options, Finnish uses specific pronouns for "both" (kumpikin) and "either" (jompikumpi). They are typically paired with singular nouns.
| Both puppies are really sweet. | Kumpikin pentu on todella suloinen. |
| Either of us will walk the dog tomorrow. | Jompikumpi meistä ulkoiluttaa koiran huomenna. |
Declining the Pronouns
Kumpikin and jompikumpi decline to match the case of the noun they modify. However, there is a special rule for these words: both halves of the word decline.
- kumpikin: the base kumpi declines, and the suffix -kin is added to the very end.
- jompikumpi: both halves (jompi and kumpi) decline into the same case.
Genitive Case
When acting as a total object or showing possession, use the genitive case. Notice how the internal consonants change from a strong mp to a weak mm.
- kumpikin → kumman
- -kin = kummankin
- jompikumpi → jomman
- kumman = jommankumman
| We will choose either dog from the animal shelter. | Valitsemme löytöeläintalosta jommankumman koiran. |
| I want a puppy of either breed. | Minä haluan jommankumman rodun pennun. |
Adessive Case
When expressing ownership ("has"), use the adessive ending -lla / -llä.
- kumpikin → kummalla
- -kin = kummallakin
- jompikumpi → jommalla
- kummalla = jommallakummalla
| Both dogs already have a microchip and a vaccination. | Kummallakin koiralla on jo siru ja rokotus. |
| Does either puppy already have a microchip? | Onko jommallakummalla pennulla jo siru? |
Partitive Case
If the pronoun is the object of a partitive verb (like silittää, to pet), it takes the partitive ending -a / -ä.
- kumpikin → kumpaa
- -kin = kumpaakin
- jompikumpi → jompaa
- kumpaa = jompaakumpaa
| You can pet either cat. | Voit silittää jompaakumpaa kissaa. |
| I want to pet both animals. | Haluan silittää kumpaakin eläintä. |
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