• MacStache@programming.dev
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    10 days ago

    The Finnish suffix “-kainen” is used to create nouns that refer to things or beings associated with a particular quality or characteristic. Even though we don’t necessarily mentally associate it with a similar meaning as “-mainen”, it still is. Hence the translation of “bearlike” is close enough.

    • MentalEdge@sopuli.xyz
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      10 days ago

      Close enough, but not closest. I would say “Bearie” is closer. You wouldn’t call an actual bear “bearlike” but you might name it “Bearie”.

      I didn’t say “mainen” and “kainen” are dissimilar, but they ARE different. By about the same amount as the difference between doglike/doggy and doggie.