Verbs of capability (pystyä, kyetä)

Verbs of Capability: pystyä and kyetä

When you want to express that someone is physically, practically, or mentally capable of doing something, Finnish uses the verbs pystyä or kyetä (to be able to, to be capable of). These verbs are especially useful when discussing accessibility, physical abilities, and inclusion.

The 3rd Infinitive Illative (-maan / -mään)

When you use pystyä or kyetä, the action verb that follows them cannot be in its basic dictionary form. Instead, it must be in the third infinitive illative form.

This form always ends in -maan or -mään, depending on vowel harmony. You form it by taking the verb's strong stem (often the same stem used for the third-person plural he form) and adding the suffix.

Using pystyä

Pystyä is the most common way to express capability in everyday Finnish. It pairs seamlessly with the -maan/-mään form to describe what a person or thing can accomplish.

You can attach question suffixes like -kö and the wonderment clitic -hän (I wonder if) directly to the capability verb.

Using kyetä

Kyetä works exactly the same way as pystyä and demands the exact same -maan/-mään ending on the following verb. While the two are largely interchangeable, kyetä can sometimes sound slightly more formal or emphasize an intrinsic, internal capacity.

Discussing Equality and Inclusion

Both verbs are essential when discussing equal rights and ensuring that everyone has the capability to be included in society.