Intialaista

Intialaista is the Finnish demonym and adjective meaning Indian. It is used for people of Indian origin as well as for things associated with India. In everyday language, intialaista appears in phrases such as intialaista ruokaa (Indian food) or intialainen henkilö (an Indian person).

Etymology and forms: Intialainen is formed from Intia (India) with the suffix -lainen, a common way to create demonyms in Finnish. The word can function as both noun and adjective. The partitive singular form is intialaista (e.g., syön intialaista ruokaa, I eat Indian food). Other inflections include intialaiset (plural nominative), intialaisen (genitive), and intialaisiin (illative/inessive forms depending on context).

Usage and context: The term is generally neutral when describing nationality or ethnicity, but like all ethnic terms it should be used respectfully and without reinforcing stereotypes. In Finland, the Indian community has grown since the mid-20th century, with communities and businesses in major cities such as Helsinki, Espoo, and Vantaa. Indian cuisine, culture, and commerce are present in Finland as part of its multicultural landscape.

See also: Intia (India), intialainen kulttuuri, Indian diaspora.