Breakdown of Luokkakokous alkaa, ja katsomme toisiamme.
ja
and
katsoa
to watch
alkaa
to start
luokkakokous
class reunion
toisiaan
each other (also toisiamme, toisianne)
Questions & Answers about Luokkakokous alkaa, ja katsomme toisiamme.
How do we build the word toisiamme from the base word toinen?
It is built in three steps. First, we take the plural stem of toinen, which is toisi-. Next, we add the partitive case ending -a. Finally, we add the possessive suffix -mme to match the "we" subject of the verb (katsomme). Broken down, it is: toisi + a + mme.
Why use the plural toisiamme here instead of the singular toistamme?
When saying "each other" in Finnish, we use the singular forms (like toistamme) when exactly two people are involved. We use the plural forms (like toisiamme) when referring to a group of three or more. Since a class reunion (luokkakokous) involves a whole group of people, the plural form is used.
Why does toisiamme need to be in the partitive case?
Because of the verb! The verb katsoa (to look at) is a "partitive verb," meaning it requires its object to be in the partitive case. Since we are looking at each other, the pronoun takes the partitive case ending (-a).
Why is there a comma before ja (and) in this sentence?
In Finnish, you must put a comma before ja when it connects two complete, independent clauses (meaning both sides have their own subject and verb). Luokkakokous alkaa and katsomme toisiamme are both full clauses, so the comma is required.
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