Consonant gradation (K-P-T): strong/weak alternation in stems
I can recognize and apply basic consonant gradation.
Look at these examples. Can you spot the grammar pattern?
Kukka on kaunis, mutta kukan väri on punainen.
The flower is beautiful, but the flower's color is red.
Katu on pitkä ja kadun nimi on Mannerheimintie.
The street is long and the street's name is Mannerheimintie.
Kauppa on auki ja kaupan nimi on Prisma.
The shop is open and the shop's name is Prisma.
Pay attention to the highlighted parts. What do they have in common?
When Finnish words get endings, consonants in the stem may alternate between strong and weak grades. This is the most challenging A1 topic. Key patterns: kk→k, pp→p, tt→t, k→∅, p→v, t→d.
Apply this grammar in A1 course exercises
Practice ExercisesNot applying gradation (using strong grade everywhere). Applying gradation to wrong consonant pairs. Confusing strong vs weak grade direction.
Not applying consonant gradation
Check for K, P, T in the stem. They likely change when adding endings.
Using strong grade where weak is needed
Nominative = strong (kukka). Most other cases = weak (kukan).
Kukka on kaunis, mutta kukan väri on punainen.
The flower is beautiful, but the flower's color is red.
Kukka (nominative, strong kk) → kukan (genitive, weak k). kk → k.
Katu on pitkä ja kadun nimi on Mannerheimintie.
The street is long and the street's name is Mannerheimintie.
Katu (strong t) → kadun (weak d). t → d is one of the most common gradation patterns.
Kauppa on auki ja kaupan nimi on Prisma.
The shop is open and the shop's name is Prisma.
Kauppa (strong pp) → kaupan (weak p). pp → p.
Practice in course
Apply this grammar in A1 course exercises