Kantautuu

Kantautuu is a Finnish verb form, the third-person singular present of kantautua, meaning "to reach" in the sense of sound, news or other sensory information arriving to someone. It is commonly used to describe that something has been heard, reported or otherwise become known at a distance, for example when a rumor, announcement or noise reaches a place or person.

Etymology and usage

The verb kantautua is derived from the root kant- (related to kantaa, "to carry") combined with a passive/inchoative-forming element; kantautuu therefore carries the notion of something being carried to ears or attention. It is used in both literal contexts (a sound carrying across a field) and figurative contexts (news or reputation reaching people). The word is neutral in tone and appears in spoken and written Finnish, including journalism and fiction.

Grammar

Kantautuu is the third-person singular present indicative form; the verb is intransitive and does not take a direct object. Common past forms include kantautui. Typical collocations include kantautua korviin ("to reach ears") and kantautua perille ("to reach its destination" in terms of information).

Examples

- Uutinen kantautui kylään myöhään illalla. (The news reached the village late in the evening.)

- Juhlan musiikki kantautui kauas. (The music from the party carried far.)

Related terms

Kantautua overlaps in meaning with kuulua ("to be heard") but emphasizes the movement or transmission of sound or information rather than mere audibility.