-kseen
In Order to (-kseen)
The final construction (finaalirakenne) is a formal 'clause equivalent' used to express purpose. It translates to 'in order to' and is formed by adding -kse- and a possessive suffix to the dictionary form of a verb.
How It Works
The final construction is a hallmark of standard written Finnish (yleiskieli). It allows you to condense a purpose clause into a single word, replacing a subordinate clause starting with jotta.
1. Formation:
Take the first infinitive (dictionary form) of the verb. Add the translative case marker -ksi, which becomes -kse- before a suffix. Finally, you must add a possessive suffix that matches the subject. While the stem follows vowel harmony (e.g., ostaaksemme vs. nähdäksemme), the 3rd person short form is invariant.
- oppia (to learn) + kse + ni = oppiakseni (in order for me to learn)
- nähdä (to see) + kse + en = nähdäkseen (in order for him/her/them to see)
2. The 3rd Person Short Form:
While the 3rd person possessive suffix is technically -nsa/-nsä, in the final construction it is almost always replaced by the short form. This is formed by doubling the preceding vowel and adding -n (resulting in -kseen). Because the suffix contains the neutral vowel 'e', it remains -kseen regardless of the vowels in the verb stem (e.g., both ostaakseen and nähdäkseen).
3. Object Rules:
A critical rule for this construction is that the object of the infinitive always follows the total object in the genitive rule for singular nouns (ending in -n). This applies even if the main clause uses an imperative or passive, which would normally require a nominative object.
4. Usage Constraints:
- Same Subject: You can only use this construction if the subject of the main verb is the same person performing the purpose.
- Affirmative Only: This construction cannot be negated. To say 'in order not to', you must use jotta + negative verb.
5. Register:
This is common in formal writing. In spoken Finnish, it is rarely used. Instead, speakers use jotta or että with the conditional mood, or the third infinitive -maan after verbs of motion (e.g., Menen kauppaan ostamaan leipää).
Examples (5)
- Säästän rahaa ostaakseni uuden auton.
I am saving money in order to buy a new car.
Word by Word: I-save money buy-to-my new car.
The subject 'I' is the same for both saving and buying, so the first person suffix -ni is used. Note that 'auton' is in the genitive-like accusative case.
- Hän opiskelee ahkerasti valmistuakseen ajoissa.
She studies hard in order to graduate on time.
Word by Word: She studies hard graduate-to-her in-time.
The third person suffix -en is added to the translative -kse-. This form is invariant and does not change based on vowel harmony.
- Lähdimme aikaisin ehtiäksemme junaan.
We left early in order to catch the train.
Word by Word: We-left early reach-to-our train-into.
The first person plural suffix -mme matches the subject 'we'.
- Tietääkseni hän on jo kotona.
As far as I know, he is already at home.
Word by Word: Know-to-my he is already at-home.
This is a lexicalized (fixed) use of the construction, meaning 'as far as I know' rather than a literal purpose.
- Avaa ikkuna tuulettaaksesi huoneen.
Open the window to air out the room.
Word by Word: Open window air-out-to-your room.
Even though the main verb is an imperative, the object 'huoneen' must be in the genitive-like accusative because it is inside a final construction.
Common Mistakes
Omitting the possessive suffix.
Menin kauppaan ostaaksi maitoa.Menin kauppaan ostaakseni maitoa.In the final construction, the possessive suffix is obligatory. You cannot leave it as just '-ksi'.
Using the construction when subjects are different.
Annan sinulle rahaa ostaaksesi ruokaa.Annan sinulle rahaa, jotta ostaisit ruokaa.While 'ostaaksesi' is grammatically formed, standard Finnish prefers a 'jotta' clause when the person giving the money is different from the person buying the food.
Using -kseen for all persons.
Teen työtä elättääkseen perheeni.Teen työtä elättääkseni perheeni.Learners often see the 3rd person form '-kseen' and assume it is a fixed ending. You must change the suffix to match the subject (-ni for 'I', -si for 'you', etc.).
How It Connects
Learn This First
To understand the final construction -kseen (meaning 'in order to'), you need to know how to form the translative case (-ksi) and how to attach possessive suffixes to words. The construction is based on the first infinitive of the verb, so a solid grasp of basic verb forms is essential.
- -ksiTranslative (-ksi)
The final construction is formed by adding the translative case marker -ksi to the first infinitive of the verb.
Level 3 - -ni/-si/-nsaPossessive Suffixes
The final construction requires a possessive suffix that agrees with the subject of the sentence.
Level 1 - Verb Type 1 (-a/-ä)
The construction is built on the first infinitive (the basic form) of the verb, which requires understanding verb types and their basic endings.
Level 1
Related Patterns
- jottaSo That (Jotta)
The standard way to express 'so that', which the -kseen construction replaces in formal writing.
Level 4 - -maanGoing to Do (-maan)
Another way to show purpose, specifically used with verbs of motion (e.g., 'mennä syömään').
Level 3 - -isi-Conditional (-isi-)
Often used in 'jotta' clauses, which are the less formal alternative to the final construction.
Level 3
Words in This Pattern
Practice -kseen in Bubblegum
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