Question 1

Since this lesson is about the Translative of Intended Purpose, how could I apply that case to the vocabulary in this sentence?

Accepted Answer

This specific sentence simply uses the nominative to describe what the object is. However, you can use the translative case to express its purpose. For example, 'Ostin sen kellotauluksi' (I bought it for a clock face / to be a clock face). The -ksi ending turns the noun into the intended outcome or role.

Question 2

Why use the comparative vanhempi (older) here instead of just vanha (old)?

Accepted Answer

Using the comparative softens the description, just like in English. Calling it an 'older dial' rather than an 'old dial' implies it is vintage or somewhat old, rather than completely worn out or ancient. Using this 'absolute comparative' to mean 'somewhat [adjective]' is a very common stylistic choice in Finnish.

Question 3

The word rikki means 'broken', so why doesn't it inflect to match the noun like a normal adjective would?

Accepted Answer

Because rikki is actually an invariable adverb of state, not a true adjective. It never takes plural or case endings to match the noun it describes. You will usually see it paired with verbs of state or change, such as olla rikki (to be broken) or mennä rikki (to break).

Question 4

Is there a difference between saying todella kaunis and tosi kaunis?

Accepted Answer

Todella is the formal adverbial form of tosi (true). Both phrases mean 'really beautiful' or 'very beautiful'. However, todella sounds slightly more standard, elegant, and appropriate for writing, whereas tosi kaunis is extremely common in everyday spoken Finnish.

Tämä vanhempi kellotaulu on todella kaunis, mutta mekanismi on rikki.

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