Ajanhetki

Ajanhetki is a Finnish noun that denotes a specific moment in time, a point within the flow of events when something happens or when a situation reaches a notable turning point. The word is a compound of ajan, the genitive form of aika meaning time, and hetki meaning moment. In pronunciation, the stress falls on the first syllable.

In use, ajanhetki is common in everyday speech as well as in literature and journalism when the speaker or writer wants to highlight a precise moment rather than a duration. It can convey immediacy, significance, or a sense of a pivotal occurrence within a sequence of events. Ajanhetki is often contrasted with more general terms like aika (time) or hetki (moment), adding nuance by specifying a defined time within a broader timeline.

The concept is versatile in both literal and figurative language. Literally, it can refer to the exact time an event occurs; metaphorically, it can describe a moment that stands out as decisive or memorable in a person’s life or in history. Related terms include aika (time), hetki (moment), ajankohta (time point or current moment), and ajanjakso (time period).