Kurkistaa

Kurkistaa is a Finnish verb meaning to peep, to peek, or to glance briefly, usually by looking around or through a small opening. The action is typically quick and cautious, and it often implies a brief or partial view rather than a full inspection.

The verb is used both literally and figuratively. Literally, kurkistaa describes looking through or around an obstacle, for example through a door, a window, or between objects. Figuratively, it can convey taking a quick look at something or checking something out without examining in depth. Common contexts include peering through a doorway, peeking out of a window, or glancing around a corner.

Conjugation and related forms: kurkistaa is the infinitive. Present indicative forms are minä kurkistan, sinä kurkistat, hän kurkistaa, me kurkistamme, te kurkistatte, he kurkistavat. Imperfect (past) forms are minä kurkistin, sinä kurkistit, hän kurkisti, me kurkistimme, te kurkistitte, he kurkistivat. The imperative forms are kurkista (singular) and kurkistakaa (plural). The related noun kurkistus denotes a peek or a quick glance, and kurkistaminen refers to the act of peeking.

Examples: "Hän kurkisti ikkunasta ulos." "Kurkista vähän ulos nähdäksesi, onko siellä ketään." These illustrate the literal use, while the noun kurkistus is used to refer to the act itself, as in "oikea kurkistus tilanteeseen."

Etymology: The word is native Finnish; its exact origin is not widely documented in concise references.