Ansaittua

Ansaittua is a Finnish word derived from the verb ansaita, meaning to earn or to deserve. In everyday use it functions as an adjective or a past participle and expresses that something is merited or has been earned. The sense can apply to wages, recognition, rewards and other forms of merit.

The word exists in a couple of common forms. Ansaittu is the basic past passive participle used directly before a noun, as in ansaittu palkka (a deserved/earned salary) or ansaittu tunnustus (deserved recognition). The form ansaittua is the partitive singular of the participle and often appears in phrases where the object is indefinite or when the construction requires a partitive, for example in expressions like ansaittua rahaa (money that has been earned) or in predicative clauses such as se on ansaittu (that is deserved).

Usage and nuance. Ansaittua is widely used in both formal and informal Finnish to stress merit or rightful reward, such as awards, praises, or compensation. It conveys that effort, achievement or virtue justifies the outcome. The word sits close to synonyms like merkitty or saavutettu in tone, but with a stronger emphasis on earned merit. In negative or ironic contexts, speakers may contrast ansaittu with undeserved or unfair outcomes.

Etymology and related forms. Ansaittua stems from the verb ansaita, which covers earning, deserving, and gaining. Related forms include ansaittu (deserved/earned) and the noun ansaitseminen (the act of earning or meriting).