Learn Finnish: Onko sinun unelmasi opiskella insinööriksi? - Is your dream to study to become an engineer?

The -ksi ending is the translative case, which is the focus of this lesson! It expresses a role or a change of state. When paired with verbs like opiskella (to study), it translates to 'to become [something]'. So, opiskella insinööriksi means 'to study to become an engineer'.

Why is there an -si at the end of unelmasi? Doesn't sinun already mean 'your'?

Yes, sinun means 'your'. However, in standard Finnish, you must use a possessive suffix on the noun to match the genitive pronoun. The -si is the suffix for 'your' (singular). While spoken Finnish often just says sun unelma, standard Finnish requires both parts: sinun unelmasi.

Why does the sentence start with Onko?

To make a yes/no question in Finnish, you take the main verb, attach the question particle -ko or -kö, and move it to the beginning. The statement form is Sinun unelmasi on (Your dream is), so the question becomes Onko sinun unelmasi (Is your dream).

Could I use the verb lukea (to read) instead of opiskella (to study) here?