Imeä

Imeä is a Finnish verb that translates to "to suck" or "to nurse" in English. It has several common applications in the Finnish language. Primarily, it refers to the act of a baby or young animal drawing milk from its mother's breast or udder. This is the most literal and frequent usage of the word.

Beyond its biological context, "imeä" can also be used metaphorically. It can describe the process of absorption, such as a sponge sucking up water or a plant absorbing nutrients from the soil. In a more figurative sense, it can imply drawing in or taking on something, like a person "sucking up" to someone for personal gain or a place "sucking in" visitors due to its popularity. The verb can also be used to describe the pulling or suction action of a vacuum cleaner or other devices. In certain idiomatic expressions, "imeä" can convey a sense of exhaustion or depletion, as in "se imi minusta kaiken voiman" (it sucked all the strength out of me). The various uses of "imeä" highlight its versatility in describing actions of drawing in, absorbing, or consuming.