Language/Finnish/Grammar/Subordinate-Clauses
As a Finnish language teacher for the past 20 years, I have noticed that one of the most challenging topics for my students is subordinate clauses. Understanding how to form and use subordinate clauses correctly is crucial for constructing sentences in Finnish.
In this lesson of the "Complete 0 to A1 Finnish Course", we will be learning about subordinate clauses. We will cover the basics of subordinate clauses, including their structure, types, and usage. By the end of the lesson, you will have a solid understanding of how to use subordinate clauses in Finnish.
What Are Subordinate Clauses?
In Finnish, a subordinate clause (alalause) is a dependent clause that cannot stand alone as a sentence but must be connected to an independent clause. Subordinate clauses are used to provide additional information about a sentence's subject, verb, or object. For example:
- Kun menen töihin, istun aina bussissa. When I go to work, I always sit on the bus.
In this sentence, "kun menen töihin" (when I go to work) is a subordinate clause that provides additional information about the time of the action.
Subordinate clauses can be classified into different types, depending on their function in a sentence. The most common types of subordinate clauses in Finnish are:
- Adverbial clauses (adverbiaalilauseet) - Relative clauses (relatiivilauseet) - Conditional clauses (ehtolauseet) - Concessive clauses (vastaavuuslauseet) - Causal clauses (syy-seurauslauseet) - Purpose clauses (tarkoituslauseet) - Result clauses (seurauksellisuuslauseet)
In this lesson, we will focus on adverbial clauses, relative clauses, and conditional clauses, which are the most frequently used subordinate clauses in Finnish.
Adverbial Clauses
Adverbial clauses (adverbiaalilauseet) are subordinate clauses that function as adverbs in a sentence. They describe when, where, why, or how an action takes place. Adverbial clauses are formed using conjunctions such as kun (when), koska (because), jotta (so that), and vaikka (although).
Here are some examples of adverbial clauses in Finnish:
| Finnish | English |
|---|---|
| Kun menen töihin | When I go to work |
| Koska oli aurinkoista, menin ulos kävelylle | Because it was sunny, I went for a walk |
| Jotta voisin oppia suomea, luen paljon kirjoja | So that I can learn Finnish, I read a lot of books |
| Vaikka satoi, menin ulos | Although it was raining, I went out |
Again, note that the subordinate clause cannot stand alone as a sentence and is connected to an independent clause:
- Kun olin lapsi, asuin maalla. When I was a child, I lived in the countryside.
In this sentence, "kun olin lapsi" (when I was a child) is an adverbial clause that describes a past event.
Adverbial clauses can also be formed using participles (partisiipit) or infinitives (infinitiivit) to describe actions taking place at the same time or prior to those in the main clause. For example:
- Suuttuen hän lähti huoneesta. Angrily, he left the room.
In this sentence, "suuttuen" (angrily) is a participle form of the verb suuttua (to get angry).
Relative Clauses
Relative clauses (relatiivilauseet) are subordinate clauses that provide additional information about a noun in the main clause. Relative clauses are formed using relative pronouns such as jotka (which), joka (who/which), and jonka (whose).
Here are some examples of relative clauses in Finnish:
- Tämä on mies, joka opettaa minulle suomea. This is the man who teaches me Finnish.
In this sentence, "joka opettaa minulle suomea" (who teaches me Finnish) is a relative clause that describes the man.
- Minulla on koira, jonka nimi on Kalle. I have a dog whose name is Kalle.
In this sentence, "jonka nimi on Kalle" (whose name is Kalle) is a relative clause that describes the dog.
Relative clauses can be restrictive or non-restrictive. A restrictive relative clause provides essential information about the noun, while a non-restrictive relative clause provides additional, but not necessary, information. Non-restrictive relative clauses are set off by commas in Finnish.
Here's an example of a non-restrictive relative clause:
- Suomi, joka on pohjoinen maa, on tunnettu talvisesta kauneudestaan. Finland, which is a northern country, is known for its winter beauty.
In this sentence, "joka on pohjoinen maa" (which is a northern country) is a non-restrictive relative clause that provides additional information about Finland.
Conditional Clauses
Conditional clauses (ehtolauseet) are subordinate clauses that express a condition that must be met for the main clause to occur. Conditional clauses are formed using conjunctions such as jos (if), kun (when), and ellei (unless).
Here are some examples of conditional clauses in Finnish:
- Jos voitan lotossa, ostan uuden auton. If I win the lottery, I will buy a new car.
In this sentence, "jos voitan lotossa" (if I win the lottery) expresses the condition for buying a new car.
- Ellei huomenna sada, menen ulos kävelylle. Unless it rains tomorrow, I will go for a walk.
In this sentence, "ellei huomenna sada" (unless it rains tomorrow) expresses the condition for going for a walk.
Note that the word order in conditional clauses is the opposite of an affirmative sentence:
- Jos menen ulos, näen ystäväni. If I go out, I will see my friend.
In this sentence, "jos menen ulos" (if I go out) is a conditional clause that expresses the condition for seeing the friend.
Conclusion
In this lesson, we have covered the basics of subordinate clauses, including their structure, types, and usage in Finnish. We have learned that subordinate clauses are dependent clauses that cannot stand alone as a sentence and must be connected to an independent clause. The most common types of subordinate clauses in Finnish are adverbial clauses, relative clauses, and conditional clauses. Each type of subordinate clause provides additional information about a sentence's subject, verb, or object in different ways.
As you continue to practice forming and using subordinate clauses, you will gain a better understanding of how to construct sentences in Finnish. Keep in mind that the correct use of subordinate clauses is essential to conveying precise and clear messages in Finnish.
Remember to practice forming and using subordinate clauses in your writing and speaking!