Verbs of adjustment and affection
In Finnish, certain verbs that describe entering a state of mind, developing a feeling, or getting used to something require their target to be in the illative case. In English, you might say you get attached to someone or fall in love with them, but in Finnish, you direct these feelings "into" them.
Common verbs in this category include:
- tutustua (to get acquainted with)
- kiintyä (to become attached to)
- tottua (to get used to)
Notice how the targets in the following sentences take illative endings:
| Before the exchange program began, I got acquainted with the new host family. | Ennen kuin vaihto-ohjelma alkoi, tutustuin uuteen isäntäperheeseen. |
| The exchange student quickly became attached to the nice host family. | Vaihto-opiskelija kiintyi nopeasti mukavaan isäntäperheeseen. |
| When I got used to everyday life, the homesickness disappeared. | Kun totuin arkielämään, koti-ikävä katosi. |
Adapting to a new culture
When talking about exchange programs and adjusting to a new host country, you will need verbs that describe deeper psychological adjustment and affection. These follow the exact same rule and take the illative case.
More verbs in this family include:
- samaistua (to identify with)
- ihastua (to fall for)
- mieltyä (to take a liking to)
- rakastua (to fall in love with)
Whether you are adapting to a new everyday life, falling for the food culture, or getting attached to the locals, the target always takes the illative.
| A student can identify with the host country, insofar as they understand the culture. | Opiskelija voi samaistua kohdemaahan, sikäli kuin hän ymmärtää kulttuuria. |
| Someone might identify with the locals, but everyone falls for the new food culture. | Joku voi samaistua paikallisiin, mutta kaikki ihastuvat uuteen ruokakulttuuriin. |
| My son has taken a liking to Spain's slow lifestyle. | Poikani on mieltynyt Espanjan hitaaseen elämäntyyliin. |
| We completely fell in love with this relaxed lifestyle and warm climate. | Rakastuimme täysin tähän rentoon elämäntyyliin ja lämpimään ilmastoon. |