The superlative degree (-in)

The Superlative Suffix -in

To describe the extreme—like the highest peak or the lightest climbing gear—use the superlative suffix -in.

This is the highest peak in the world.
Tämä on maailman korkein huippu.
This backpack is the lightest.
Tämä reppu on kevyin.

Attach -in to the adjective's inflectional stem. Adding this suffix often triggers consonant gradation (such as a strong consonant weakening or dropping out), and final stem vowels may drop or change.

  • korkea (high) → korkein (highest)
  • jyrkkä (steep) → jyrkin (steepest)
  • halpa (cheap) → halvin (cheapest)
The mountain's steepest slope is dangerous.
Vuoren jyrkin rinne on vaarallinen.
I must buy the cheapest piece of equipment.
Minun täytyy ostaa halvin varuste.

Adjectives Ending in -nen

For adjectives ending in -nen, such as vaarallinen (dangerous), the ending becomes -sin.

Is that the most dangerous cliff in the world?
Onko tuo maailman vaarallisin kallio?

Adjectives Ending in -is and -yt

Adjectives ending in -is typically change to -ein, while those ending in -yt change to -yin.

  • kallis (expensive) → kallein (most expensive)
  • kaunis (beautiful) → kaunein (most beautiful)
  • kevyt (light) → kevyin (lightest)
The lightest equipment is also the most expensive.
Kevyin varuste on myös kallein.
This is the highest mountain, and here is the most beautiful view.
Tämä on korkein vuori, ja täällä on kaunein näköala.

Contributors