Question 1

Why is the relative pronoun jota in the partitive case instead of the basic form joka?

Accepted Answer

The relative pronoun gets its case from the rules of the verb inside its own mini-sentence (the relative clause). The verb suositella (to recommend) always requires its object to be in the partitive case. Because you are recommending the flea market, joka becomes the partitive jota.

Question 2

Kirpputori is in the basic nominative case. Doesn't the relative pronoun have to match the case of the word it describes?

Accepted Answer

No, and this is a common trap! A relative pronoun only matches the number (singular or plural) of the word it points back to. Its case is decided strictly by its job in its own clause. Here, it points to a singular flea market, but serves as the partitive object of suosittelit.

Question 3

Why doesn't the verb suosittelit have the pronoun sinä (you) in front of it?

Accepted Answer

In Finnish, the personal pronouns minä (I) and sinä (you) can usually be dropped. The -t ending on suosittelit already makes it perfectly clear that you are the one who recommended it.

Question 4

I've seen kiinni used to mean attached or stuck. How does it mean closed here?

Accepted Answer

Kiinni is a very flexible word. While it does originally mean attached or fastened, when you use it with places, shops, or doors (olla kiinni), it is the standard way to say to be closed.

Kirpputori, jota suosittelit, oli kiinni.

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