Eksyminen

Eksyminen is a Finnish noun that denotes the process of getting lost or going astray. It applies to both practical situations, such as losing one’s way during travel, and to more abstract scenarios, such as deviating from a plan or what is considered correct or intended.

Etymology and form: The word is derived from the verb eksyä, meaning to get lost or stray, with the nominalizing suffix -minen to form a noun indicating a process or state. It is a standard term in Finnish and appears in dictionaries and everyday language.

Usage and scope: In physical contexts, eksyminen refers to disorientation in space and location, often requiring navigation tools, directions from others, or retracing one’s steps. In figurative usage, it describes straying from goals, plans, or lines of reasoning—for example, a project that has gone off course or a discussion that has wandered away from the main topic. The term commonly appears in travel writing, education, psychology, and discussions about strategy and decision-making.

Related concepts: The idea of going astray is also expressed with words such as harha (illusion or misperception), erehdys (error), and harhautuminen (misdirection). These terms capture different facets of deviating from what is correct, expected, or intended.

See also: eksyä; harha; erehdys; harhautuminen.