Verb type 4

Type 4 verbs end in a -vtv pattern and are sometimes subject to consonant gradation.

Pattern

Verbs ending in -ata/-ätä, -ota/-ötä, -uta/-ytä. For example:

• Avata, to open
• Kadota, to disappear
• Älytä, to become aware of

Stem

Finding the stem for type 4 verbs can be done by removing the -t from between the two ending vowels. For example:

• Avata → Avaa-
• Kadota → Katoa-
• Älytä → Älyä-

Examples of type 4 verb conjugations

Type 4 verb gotchas

Tavata

Depending on the meaning, the verb Tavata’s consonant can either gradate strongly or remain in its base form. Typically the verb would be used for when meeting someone, and in this case its consonant gradates strongly. But perhaps less frequently Tavata may also be used for when spelling or pronouncing a word letter by letter, syllabically or when deciphering something. If this is the case it does not gradate. More information can be found in this Wiktionary article (Opens in new window).

Type 4 verb crossovers

Occasionally some type 4 verbs will crossover and conjugate as type 6 verbs. Some type 4 crossover examples include:

• Helpota, to become easier
• Loitota, to move away from something
• Parata, to improve

Common type 4 verbs with consonant gradation

Not all type 4 verbs are subject to weak consonant gradation. In many cases the gradation is strong.

Some type 4 verbs where the consonate gradation is strong when conjugated include:

• Hypätä, to jump
• Kadota, to disappear
• Luvata, to promise
• Maata, to lie down
• Mitata, to measure
• Pelätä, to fear
• Pudota, to drop/fall
• Vallata, to seize

Common type 4 verbs without consonant gradation

• Älytä, to become aware of
• Avata, to open
• Erota, to divorce
• Haluta, to want
• Herätä, to awaken
• Pelata, to play
• Siivota, to clean
• Tilata, to order
• Vastata, to answer