-malla
By Doing (-malla)
The -malla/-mällä form is the standard way to say 'by doing' or 'through [verb]-ing' in Finnish. It describes the tool or method used to achieve a result.
How It Works
The third infinitive adessive is a highly productive form used in all registers of Finnish. It functions as an adverbial of means.
1. Formation:
To form this, use the strong vowel stem (the same stem used for the 3rd person plural he-form, minus the -vat/-vät).
- Strong Grade: Unlike many other forms, this always uses the strong grade. For example, tehdä (to do) becomes tekemällä (by doing).
- Exception: The verb olla (to be) does not follow the he-form rule (ovat). Its stem is ole-, resulting in olemalla.
- Vowel Harmony: Use -malla for back vowels (a, o, u) and -mällä for front vowels (ä, ö, y).
2. Usage:
It specifically highlights instrumentality (the method used to achieve a result).
- Subject Identity: The action described by the -malla form is performed by the same subject as the main verb. For example: Hän oppi suomea lukemalla (He learned Finnish by reading).
- No Possessive Suffixes: Unlike some other infinitives, the -malla/-mällä form does not take possessive suffixes in modern Finnish.
3. Distinctions:
Learners often confuse this with the second infinitive instructive (-en). While both answer 'how', the -en form usually describes a simultaneous state or manner (e.g., 'he came crying'), whereas -malla describes the specific method used to get a result (e.g., 'he got his way by crying').
Examples (4)
- Kieltä oppii parhaiten puhumalla.
One learns a language best by speaking.
Word by Word: Language [one] learns best by-speaking.
Here, 'puhumalla' shows that speaking is the method used to achieve the goal of learning.
- Hän ansaitsi rahaa myymällä vanhoja kirjoja.
He earned money by selling old books.
Word by Word: He earned money by-selling old books.
The action of selling is the means by which the money was earned.
- Ovi avautuu nappia painamalla.
The door opens by pressing the button.
Word by Word: Door opens button by-pressing.
Pressing the button is the specific mechanical method that causes the door to open.
- Voit säästää sähköä sammuttamalla valot.
You can save electricity by turning off the lights.
Word by Word: You-can save electricity by-turning-off lights.
The method of saving is the act of turning off the lights.
Common Mistakes
Using the weak grade instead of the strong grade.
Hän oppi uusia asioita luemalla.Hän oppi uusia asioita lukemalla.The third infinitive is formed from the strong stem of the verb. For a verb like 'lukea', you must use the strong grade 'k' (lukemalla) rather than the weak grade (luemalla).
Ignoring vowel harmony.
Hän laihtui syömalla vähemmän.Hän laihtui syömällä vähemmän.Because 'syödä' contains front vowels (y, ö), the suffix must be -mällä, not -malla, to follow vowel harmony rules.
How It Connects
Learn This First
To understand the 'by doing' (-malla) pattern, you need to know how to form the third infinitive stem from a verb and how to apply the adessive case ending (-lla/-llä) while following Finnish vowel harmony rules.
- -lla/-lläAdessive (-lla/-llä)
The -malla form is the adessive case of the third infinitive, so understanding the adessive marker (-lla/-llä) is essential.
Level 1 - -maanGoing to Do (-maan)
The -malla pattern is part of the third infinitive system; understanding the basic third infinitive stem formation (ma/mä) is a prerequisite.
Level 3
Related Patterns
- -enManner Infinitive (-en)
Often confused with -malla; the -en form describes manner or state, while -malla describes the method or tool.
Level 5 - -mattaWithout Doing (-matta)
The opposite of -malla; it means 'without doing' something.
Level 3 - Consonant Gradation
Crucial for forming the stem correctly, as -malla always requires the strong grade.
Level 1 - Vowel Harmony
Determines whether the suffix is -malla or -mällä.
Level 1
Words in This Pattern
Practice -malla in Bubblegum
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