Questions & Answers about Nenäni on punainen.
Why is there no word for "my" in this sentence?
In standard written Finnish, the suffix -ni at the end of nenäni (my nose) is enough to show who it belongs to. You can also say minun nenäni, but the word minun (my) is optional when you use the suffix.
How is the suffix attached to the word nenä?
For a basic subject like this, you simply take the dictionary form of the word, which is nenä (nose), and stick the suffix -ni right on the end to make nenäni.
Why is the adjective punainen in its basic dictionary form?
Because the subject, nenäni, is a single, countable thing in its basic form. The adjective describing it must match, so punainen (red) stays in its basic singular form too.
Would a Finnish person actually say nenäni in a casual chat?
Probably not. While nenäni is standard for writing, in everyday spoken Finnish, people usually drop the suffix and use the casual spoken word for "my", saying mun nenä instead.
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