Use the fifth infinitive to describe actions that are on the verge of happening. It translates to is about to [do] or is on the point of [doing], perfect for narrating tense moments.
Forming the Fifth Infinitive
This construction pairs the conjugated verb olla (to be) with a special form of the main verb:
- Take the third infinitive stem (the stem used for -maan or -mään forms).
- Add the suffix -maisilla- or -mäisillä- (following vowel harmony).
- Add the possessive suffix matching the subject.
For third-person subjects, use olla in the third person and the possessive suffix -an or -än:
| The eagle is about to strike. | Kotka on iskemäisillään. |
| The pack is about to attack. | Lauma on hyökkäämäisillään. |
Matching the Subject
Conjugate olla and change the possessive suffix to match any subject. For minä (I), use olen and the suffix -ni:
| I am about to fall asleep when the beast strikes. | Olen nukahtamaisillani, kun peto iskee. |
Adding Context
Connect a "verge of" action to another event using the conjunction kun (when):
| The eagle opens its wings when it is about to strike. | Kotka avaa siipensä, kun se on iskemäisillään. |
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