Learn Finnish: Onko lukija myös hyvä katsoja? - Is the reader also a good spectator?

To form the actor noun, you use the strong stem of the verb lukea (to read), change the final e to an i, and add the actor suffix -ja. This suffix acts just like the English '-er' in 'reader'. Notice that the stem uses the strong consonant grade, meaning the k is kept rather than dropping out like it does in the 'minä' form (luen).

Why does katsoja use the -ja suffix instead of -jä?

The choice between -ja and -jä is dictated by vowel harmony, which you learned early on. Because the verb stem katso- contains the back vowels a and o, the suffix must also use the back vowel a. If a verb only contains front vowels, such as syödä (to eat), it takes -jä, becoming syöjä (eater).

Can katsoja be used in contexts other than sports or live events?

Yes, katsoja is a very versatile word. Because it comes from the verb katsoa (to watch), it literally means 'one who watches'. It is the standard word for a 'viewer' of a television show, movie, or online video, as well as an everyday onlooker.

Why does the English translation use 'the reader' but 'a good spectator', since Finnish has no articles?