Kauhussa

Kauhussa is a Finnish word used to express that someone is in a state of fear or horror. It is formed from the noun kauhu (fear or horror) with the inessive suffix -ssa, which indicates being inside or immersed in that state. The term is commonly used to describe a temporary emotional condition rather than a lasting characteristic.

In usage, kauhussa typically accompanies verbs of being or states of perception, such as olla (to be). It can describe how a person feels in response to a frightening event or situation. For example, Hän oli kauhussa kuullessaan ukkosen ryskeen (He was in fear after hearing the thunder). Lapsi jäi kauhussa pimeässä huoneessa (The child remained frightened in the dark room). The phrase can also modify nouns in compound expressions, such as kauhussa oleva lapsi (a child who is frightened).

Nuance and related terms: kauhu refers to fear or horror as a concept, kauhistus to a sense of shock or awe, and pelko to general fear. Kauhussa denotes a specific, often transient emotional state in the moment of perceived threat or distress. It is widely understood in everyday language as well as in literary Finnish.

See also: kauhu, kauhistus, pelko, pelokas, kauhistunut.