Lahja

Lahja is a Finnish noun meaning a present or gift. It refers to something given to another person without expectation of return, and it can also denote a natural talent or ability, as in “hänellä on lahja laulamiseen” (he has a gift for singing).

Etymology and related terms: The word lahja is native to Finnish. The verb lahjoittaa means to give as a gift or to donate, and the noun lahjoitus denotes a donation. Common compounds include lahjakortti (gift card) and lahjakkuus (talent or giftedness).

Usage: Lahja is used for both tangible objects and intangible gifts. It can describe items given on occasions such as birthdays or holidays, as well as gifts of ability or potential. The verb form lahjoittaa covers giving something as a present or making a donation, and lahjoitus refers specifically to a donation to a person, organization, or cause.

Examples: Sain lahjan syntymäpäivänä. (I received a gift on my birthday.) Hän haluaa lahjoittaa rahaa hyväntekeväisyyteen. (He wants to donate money to charity.) Lahjakortti on yleinen moderni lahjaidea. (A gift card is a common modern gift idea.)

See also: In Finnish, lahja contrasts with related terms such as lahjakkuus (talent) and lahjoitus (donation). The concept spans physical gifts, personal abilities, and acts of giving.