Johtavat

Johtavat is a Finnish word with multiple grammatical uses. In its verb sense, johtavat is the third-person plural present indicative form of the verb johtaa, meaning “they lead” or “they are leading.” It is used to describe actions performed by people, organizations, or processes that direct or guide something. For example: He johtavat projektia tehokkaasti. In such sentences, the subject is plural and the verb carries ongoing leadership or directing action.

As an adjective, johtavat is the plural nominative form of the attributive adjective johtava, meaning “leading.” It describes plural nouns and does not require an article in Finnish. Examples include johtavat yritykset (leading companies) and johtavat asemat (leading positions). In this role, the word simply conveys prominence or importance within a given domain, such as industry, research, or governance.

Finnish adjectives agree with the nouns they modify in number and case, so johtava becomes johtavat in the plural nominative or other plural cases when describing plural nouns. The same spelling thus corresponds to two distinct parts of speech: a verb form and an adjective form, differentiated by grammatical role and sentence context.

Common related terms include johtaminen (management or leadership), johtaja (leader or manager), and johtava asema (leading position). Together, these words appear in business, politics, and organizational contexts to express leadership, guidance, or prominence.