Learn Hardcore Finnish: Minä näen hänet puistossa.

Hän is the nominative case (used for subjects), whereas hänet is the accusative case (used for direct objects). Since “him/her” is what is being seen, it must be in the accusative: hänet.

What does the -ssa ending in puistossa mean?

The -ssa ending is the inessive case, which indicates being in something. So puistossa literally means “in the park.”

Why include Minä if näen already means “I see”?

Finnish verbs are conjugated to show person. Näen by itself already means “I see.” Adding Minä is optional and serves to add emphasis or clarity, especially in spoken language.

Why are there no words for “a” or “the” in the sentence?

Finnish does not have articles. Definiteness or indefiniteness is conveyed by context rather than separate words like “a” or “the.”

How do you say “I see him” versus “I see her” in Finnish?

You don’t distinguish gender in Finnish third-person pronouns. Both “I see him” and “I see her” translate as (Minä) näen hänet puistossa; hänet covers both.

What’s the difference between puistossa and puistolla?

Puistossa (inessive – ssa) means inside the park (“in the park”). Puistolla (adessive – lla/llä) means at or on the park (“at the park,” as in “at the park grounds or entrance”).

Can I drop Minä and just say Näen hänet puistossa?

Yes. Since näen already indicates “I,” the subject pronoun Minä is often omitted unless you want extra emphasis.

Is the word order flexible? Could I say Hänet näen puistossa?

Yes. Finnish relies on case endings rather than word order to show roles, so Hänet näen puistossa still means “I see him in the park.” The neutral order is S-V-O, though.

Why don’t we use the partitive häntä here, and when would we use it?

In affirmative sentences with a complete action, Finnish uses the accusative (hänet). The partitive (häntä) marks incomplete or ongoing actions, or objects in negative sentences. For example: • “I don’t see him” = En näe häntä. • “I saw him” (a partial glimpse) could be Näin häntä.