Kiireet

Kiireet is the Finnish plural noun for urgency or busyness. It refers to situations that demand quick action or to periods characterized by a high tempo or heavy workload. The term is used to describe both immediate tasks that create pressure and ongoing states of being busy, making it a common way to talk about time-related strain in everyday life.

Usage of the word often centers on practical tasks and schedules. For example, minulla on paljon kiireitä means I have a lot of urgent tasks or a crowded schedule. Työkiire refers specifically to work-related rush or pressure, while olla kiireessä means to be in a hurry. In longer statements, kiireet can denote multiple deadlines, meetings, or appointments that collectively create time pressure.

Grammatical notes include that kiire is the singular form and kiireet is its plural; the plural often appears when referring to several separate urgent matters or busy periods. Related adjectives include kiireinen (busy) and kiireellinen (urgent or time-sensitive). Other related phrases describe the broader phenomenon of time pressure, such as ajanhallintakiistat or työ- ja vapaa-ajan kiireet in more reflective or analytical contexts.

Cultural context characterizes kiire as a normal feature of modern life in Finland, especially in work and commuting patterns, though it can carry negative connotations when it becomes chronic stress. The term is widely understood across Finnish-speaking regions and appears in both informal conversation and formal writing.