Aikavievää

Aikavievää is a Finnish term that loosely translates to "time-consuming" or "time-eating." It is often used to describe an activity, process, or task that requires a significant amount of time to complete, often more than initially anticipated or desired. The word itself is a compound of "aika" (time) and "vievä" (taking or consuming).

The concept of aikavievää is not inherently negative but rather descriptive. It can apply to both enjoyable and tedious activities. For example, a hobby like knitting a complex sweater might be described as aikavievää, as can a bureaucratic process like obtaining a permit. The implication is that one must allocate a substantial portion of their time to engage with or complete the item in question.

In everyday conversation, someone might say a project is "aikavievää" to manage expectations or to explain why progress seems slow. It can also be used as a gentle warning or a way to acknowledge the effort involved. The term emphasizes the temporal investment required, highlighting the duration rather than the difficulty or complexity of the task itself. Understanding aikavievää helps in comprehending the Finnish perspective on time management and the value placed on activities that demand patience and prolonged attention.