Käyntisanat

Käyntisanat is a Finnish term that translates to "walking words" or "paces" and refers to the unit of measurement in Finnish poetry, particularly in older folk poetry. It denotes a rhythmic unit, roughly equivalent to a metrical foot in other traditions, but it's defined by syllables and accent rather than strict stress patterns. A käyntisanat typically consists of two stressed syllables and a variable number of unstressed syllables between them. This creates a distinctive, flowing rhythm characteristic of Kalevala meter, the most famous example of Finnish folk poetry.

The concept of käyntisanat is crucial for understanding the musicality and structure of Finnish folk verse. While not as rigid as classical meter, the predictable pattern of stressed syllables within a käyntisanat provides a framework for composition and recitation. This allows for flexibility in syllable count while maintaining a recognizable rhythmic pulse. The term itself emphasizes the idea of words moving forward in a measured gait, mirroring the act of walking. It is a foundational element for analyzing and appreciating Finnish poetic traditions.