The term ‘mood’ refers to certain verb endings expressing the manner in
which the speaker presents the action of the verb. There are four moods in
Finnish: the indicative (which is not marked by a separate ending) is the most
common, and expresses the action of the verb ‘as such’. The conditional -isi-
mostly indicates a hypothetical action; the imperative (several different
endings according to person) indicates a command; and the potential -ne-, a
rare mood, presents an action as probable or conceivable.
The indicative mood is thus the most common mood. It has no ending
and presents an action as such, without any indication of the speaker’s
attitude. Tense and personal endings are added in the normal way.
Nyt mene/n kotiin. Now I’m going home.
Lapsi leikki/i pihalla. A/the child plays in the yard.
Vieraat tule/vat illalla. The guests are coming in the evening.
Eilen sa/i/n kaksi kirjettä. Yesterday I got two letters.
Koska sairastu/i/t? When did you fall ill?
He o/vat asu/neet kymmenen They have lived in Turku for ten years.
vuotta Turussa.
Missä ole/t synty/nyt? wher were you born?
Vuonna 1960 Paasikivi ol/i jo In the year 1960 Paasikivi had already
kuol/lut. died.
These verb forms contain no mood ending, then, only personal and (wher
necessary) tense endings.
