Questions & Answers about Onko sovinto edes mahdollinen?
How does the suffix in sovinto connect to its root word?
Sovinto (settlement, reconciliation) comes from the verb sopia (to agree, to fit). By adding the -nto suffix to the verb root, we create an abstract noun that represents the outcome of the action. So, the result of people agreeing (sopia) is a settlement (sovinto).
What is the difference between sovinto and sopimus, since both translate to forms of agreement?
While both derive from sopia, they have different focuses. Sopimus typically refers to a concrete contract, treaty, or formal agreement. Sovinto, utilizing the abstract -nto suffix, refers more to a reconciliation, a compromise, or the abstract settling of a dispute.
I usually see edes used with negatives, like ei edes (not even). How does it work in this positive question?
When used in a question, edes (even) signals strong doubt or skepticism from the speaker. By asking Onko sovinto edes mahdollinen?, the speaker isn't just asking neutrally if a settlement is possible; they are heavily implying that it seems highly unlikely.
Why is the adjective mahdollinen in the nominative case here instead of the partitive?
The predicative adjective (the adjective following the verb to be) takes the nominative case when describing a singular, countable noun as a whole. Because sovinto acts as a specific, countable concept here (a settlement), mahdollinen stays in the nominative. You would only use the partitive if the subject were an uncountable mass noun, like water or coffee.
Learn Onko sovinto edes mahdollinen and more in Finnish
All course content and exercises are completely free — no paywalls, no trial periods, no signup needed.
- ✓ Practice with interactive exercises
- ✓ Track your progress with spaced repetition
- ✓Learn at your own pace — completely free