muun muassa / toisin sanoen
Formal Discourse Markers
muun muassa (mm.) = among other things / for instance
toisin sanoen (ts.) = in other words / that is to say
How It Works
1. muun muassa (mm.)
This phrase consists of the genitive form of muu (other) and the adposition muassa (among). It is the standard way to indicate a non-exhaustive list. Unlike the English 'etc.', muun muassa usually precedes the examples. In modern Finnish standards, the abbreviation is written with a single dot: mm.
- It does not change the case of the following words; they follow the object or case rules of the main verb.
- Variation: Use muiden muassa when specifically referring to 'among other people' or plural entities.
- In casual speech, it is often replaced by esimerkiksi (esim.).
2. toisin sanoen (ts.)
This is a combination of the adverb toisin (otherwise) and the second infinitive instructive of sanoa (to say). It is used for reformulation. The modern abbreviation is ts.
- It is typically preceded by a comma when it introduces a clarifying clause.
- In neutral or spoken Finnish, it is frequently replaced by eli. While siis is also used, it often implies a logical conclusion ('therefore') rather than just a restatement.
Examples (4)
- Hän on opiskellut muun muassa historiaa ja kieliä.
He has studied history and languages, among other things.
Word by Word: He has studied among other-things history and languages.
Here, 'muun muassa' indicates that history and languages are just two of many subjects studied.
- Kokouksessa käsiteltiin muun muassa budjettia.
The budget, among other things, was discussed at the meeting.
Word by Word: In-the-meeting was-handled among other-things the-budget.
The use of 'muun muassa' implies there were other topics on the agenda not mentioned here.
- Hän on vegaani; toisin sanoen hän ei syö eläinkunnan tuotteita.
He is a vegan; in other words, he does not eat animal products.
Word by Word: He is vegan; otherwise saying he not eats animal-kingdom's products.
'Toisin sanoen' introduces a clarification of what being a vegan entails.
- Lento on peruttu, toisin sanoen emme pääse kotiin tänään.
The flight is cancelled, that is to say, we won't get home today.
Word by Word: Flight is cancelled, otherwise saying we-not get home today.
The second clause explains the practical consequence of the first clause using a formal connector.
Common Mistakes
Writing 'muun muassa' as a single word.
Hän harrastaa muunmuassa uintia.Hän harrastaa muun muassa uintia.In Finnish, 'muun muassa' must always be written as two separate words. The same applies to 'toisin sanoen'.
Using 'muun muassa' at the very end of a sentence like 'etc.'
Hän osti omenia, päärynöitä muun muassa.Hän osti muun muassa omenia ja päärynöitä.While technically possible in some poetic contexts, in standard prose, 'muun muassa' should precede the list it introduces.
How It Connects
Learn This First
To understand formal discourse markers like 'muun muassa' and 'toisin sanoen', a learner needs to be familiar with the genitive and essive cases, as these markers are fossilized case forms. Additionally, since these are primarily used in written arguments, an awareness of register shifting between spoken and formal Finnish is required.
- -n (genetiivi)Genitive (-n)
The marker 'muun muassa' uses the genitive form of 'muu' (other), so understanding the genitive case is essential for recognizing the structure of these markers.
Level 1 - -na/-näEssive (-na/-nä)
The marker 'toisin sanoen' uses the essive case ('sanoen' is a second infinitive instructive/essive form), and 'muassa' is a fossilized case form related to location/state.
Level 3 - Changing Register
These markers are characteristic of formal written Finnish (kirjakieli), so understanding the difference between formal and informal registers is necessary to use them correctly.
Level 3
Related Patterns
- Written vs Spoken Finnish
These markers are standard in written Finnish (kirjakieli) and have different equivalents in speech.
Level 3 - -enManner Infinitive (-en)
The word 'sanoen' in 'toisin sanoen' is a second infinitive in the instructive case.
Level 5 - siksi / siis / sen takiaTherefore Words
'Siis' can clarify a point like 'toisin sanoen', but it more often indicates a logical result (therefore).
Level 3 - Abbreviations in Formal Writing
These phrases are abbreviated as mm. and ts. in modern standard Finnish, using only one dot at the end.
Level 6
Words in This Pattern
Practice muun muassa / toisin sanoen in Bubblegum
Poppy, your AI tutor, writes Finnish lessons at your level. Tap any grammar point in a lesson to see its full explanation.
