Elämme

Elämme is a Finnish verb form meaning "we live" or "we are living." It is the first-person plural present indicative form of elää, the verb that means to live, exist, or survive. The infinitive is elää, and related forms include elän (I live), elät (you live), elävät (they live). The past tense first-person plural is elimme ("we lived"), which differs in spelling from the present elämme.

Usage and meaning: Elämme is used to describe a current state of living, for example "Me elämme täällä" (We live here). Finnish does not mark progressive aspect separately, so elämme can function with a sense of ongoing activity through context. The form can also appear as a standalone sentence to express existence or solidarity, such as in mottos or speeches. In literature, elämme may be used to emphasize collective experience or shared circumstance.

Related terms: elää (to live), elämä (life), elin- or elintavat (lifestyles and related concepts).