Learn Hardcore Finnish: Ääni on melkein kuin hiljainen kuiskaus. - The sound is almost like a quiet whisper.

Finnish doesn’t use articles. Ääni can mean either “a sound” or “the sound” depending on context, but you never add a separate word for “a” or “the.”

What case is Ääni in?

It’s in the nominative singular—the basic form of the noun—because it’s the subject of the sentence.

What role does on play in this sentence?

On is the 3rd person singular present tense of the verb olla (“to be”). It links ääni (“sound”) to its description.

What does melkein mean and how is it used here?

Melkein means “almost.” It’s an adverb modifying the comparison that follows, so melkein kuin means “almost like.”

Why is kuin used here?

Kuin is the comparison conjunction in Finnish (equivalent to “like” or “as” in a simile). It introduces what you’re comparing the subject to: here, “(a sound) … almost like a quiet whisper.”

What case is hiljainen kuiskaus in, and why?

Both hiljainen (adjective) and kuiskaus (noun) are in the nominative singular. After on (to be) with a predicate noun—and after kuin in a simile—the noun phrase remains in the nominative.

What is the difference between kuiskaus and kuiskaaminen?

Kuiskaus is a noun meaning a countable “whisper” (the sound or event). Kuiskaaminen is a verbal noun (gerund) meaning the action or process “whispering.”

Are there any pronunciation tips for Ääni on melkein kuin hiljainen kuiskaus?

Stress is always on the first syllable of each word.
Double ää is long ([æː]).
Approximate IPA: [ˈæːni on ˈmelkein ˈkuin ˈhiljɑi̯nen ˈkuiskɑus].

Can this sentence be rephrased differently with the same meaning?

Yes. For example:

Ääni on lähes kuin hiljainen kuiskaus.
Ääni on hiljaisen kuiskauksen kaltainen.
Both also mean “The sound is almost like a quiet whisper.”