Translative plural for changes (-iksi)

Expressing changes of state in the plural

You already know that the translative case (-ksi) is used when something changes its state, role, or form, often translating to "into a..." or "to" in English. When you are transforming multiple things—such as cutting old jeans "into patches"—you need the translative plural.

To form the translative plural, add the plural marker -i- (or -j-) to the stem, followed by the translative ending -ksi.

Crucially, because the -ksi ending begins with a consonant cluster, it closes the syllable. This means the translative case always triggers the weak consonant grade in the stem. Strong consonants (like kk, pp, and tt) weaken (to k, p, and t) when you add the ending.

patch
tilkku
I am in the habit of upcycling old jeans and cutting them into patches.
Minulla on tapana uusiokäyttää vanhoja farkkuja ja leikata niitä tilkuiksi.

When an adjective modifies the noun, it must also agree and take the translative plural ending.

The new students turn the jeans into beautiful bags.
Uudet opiskelijat muuttavat farkut kauniiksi laukuiksi.
When my mother crochets, the old shirts turn into gorgeous rag rugs.
Kun äiti virkkaa, vanhat paidat muuttuvat upeiksi räsymatoiksi.

Stem changes with the weak grade

When building the translative plural, standard plural stem rules apply. Final vowels might drop or change to accommodate the plural -i-. You must apply these vowel changes alongside the weak consonant grade.

For example, double consonants simplify (kk becomes k), and combinations like ht weaken to hd.

lantern
lyhty
We are crafting and transforming the empty jars into lanterns.
Me askartelemme ja muutamme tyhjät purkit lyhdyiksi.
doll
nukke
The children craft and turn the bottle caps into little dolls.
Lapset askartelevat ja muuttavat pullonkorkit pieniksi nukeiksi.

A common vowel change is a final -a becoming -o- before the plural -i-. This happens alongside consonant gradation, such as t weakening to d in the word paita (shirt).

When we upcycle these yarns, we can crochet them into new shirts.
Kun uusiokäytämme nämä langat, voimme virkata ne uusiksi paidoiksi.

Multiple transformations

When upcycling materials into several different new items, simply ensure every adjective and noun takes the translative plural ending and applies the weak consonant grade to its stem.

We do not buy materials at all, but we modify old boxes into new toys and beds for cats.
Emme osta materiaaleja ollenkaan, vaan muokkaamme vanhat laatikot kissoille uusiksi leluiksi ja sängyiksi.
The students modify the useless cans and bottles into beautiful lamps.
Opiskelijat muokkaavat hyödyttömät tölkit ja pullot kauniiksi lampuiksi.