Ajankohtainen

Ajankohtainen is a Finnish adjective meaning current, topical, or timely. It is used to describe information, events, or topics that are perceived as relevant to the present moment. In English, the closest equivalents are current or up-to-date. The word is commonly found in journalism, everyday speech, and media discourse to signal relevance or immediacy.

The term belongs to the family formed from the noun ajankohta, meaning a point in time or moment, with the suffix -inen converting it into an adjective. Thus ajankohtainen literally conveys “pertaining to the current time” or “timely.” Related adjectives include ajantasainen (up-to-date) and ajankohtaisempi (more topical), and the corresponding noun ajankohtaisuus (topicality or topical relevance).

In usage, ajankohtainen describes topics, events, or information that are of immediate interest or importance. Common collocations include ajankohtaiset tapahtumat (current events) and ajankohtaiset uutiset (topical news). The term is also widely used in media to label programs and segments that cover current affairs, for example in headlines or program titles that signal topical content.

Notable linguistic notes include its role in distinguishing timeliness from mere existence or general facts. Ajankohtainen conveys a sense of urgency or relevance, whereas broader descriptions might use more neutral terms. Overall, the word is a standard part of Finnish vocabulary for discussing the present relevance of information and events.