Translative of purpose (-ksi)

The Translative Case of Intended Purpose

The translative case ending -ksi often expresses a change of state, but it is also used to express what an object is intended to be used as.

When you choose, buy, or save an object for a specific purpose, the word for that intended role takes the -ksi ending (translating to "as a..." or "for a...").

I chose this cheaper spring as a spare part for the mechanism.
Valitsin tämän halvemman jousen mekanismin varaosaksi.

For multiple items, the plural marker -i- goes right before the -ksi ending:

The experienced watchmaker bought these old cogwheels as spare parts.
Kokenut kelloseppä osti nämä vanhat rattaat varaosiksi.

Specifying the Target

To specify what a part belongs to, put the target object (like the clock) in the genitive case and its intended role (like the pendulum) in the translative case.

We saved this heavy part to be the older clock's pendulum.
Säästimme tämän painavan osan vanhemman kellon heiluriksi.
The watchmaker is looking for suitable metal for the dial and the clock hand.
Kelloseppä etsii sopivaa metallia kellotauluksi ja viisariksi.
We didn't buy this metal to be the new clock's spring at all.
Emme ostaneet tätä metallia lainkaan uuden kellon jouseksi.

Abstract Purposes

This structure is also used for abstract roles, such as giving something as a gift (lahjaksi).

I gave this small cogwheel and clock hand to grandfather as a gift.
Annoin tämän pienen rattaan ja viisarin isoisälle lahjaksi.