Breakdown of Asunnottomat saavat toimeentulonsa usein valtiolta.
usein
often
saada
to get
valtio
the state
asunnoton
homeless (without a dwelling/housing)
Questions & Answers about Asunnottomat saavat toimeentulonsa usein valtiolta.
How does asunnottomat function here without a word for "people" following it?
In Finnish, just like in English ("the homeless"), you can use a plural adjective on its own to talk about a whole demographic group. The word asunnottomat is the plural of the adjective asunnoton (homeless), but here it acts independently as the main noun and subject of the sentence.
What is the root word of asunnottomat and how is the ending formed?
It comes from asunto (apartment or housing). By adding the caritive suffix -ton (which means "without"), it becomes the adjective asunnoton. To make it plural to represent this demographic group, the word stem changes to asunnottoma- and gets the plural -t marker, resulting in asunnottomat.
toimeentulonsa is the object of the sentence. Why isn't it in the genitive-accusative case (like toimeentulon)?
It actually is in the genitive-accusative case, but a very important rule applies here. When you attach a possessive suffix like -nsa (their), the genitive -n ending is always dropped. Therefore, toimeentulon plus -nsa simplifies to toimeentulonsa.
What are the parts that make up the word toimeentulo?
It is a compound of toimeen (into action) and tulo (coming or arrival). Together they refer to "managing" or "getting by," which translates into livelihood, subsistence, or basic income.