Leikittelee

Leikittelee is a Finnish verb form meaning to toy with, to tease, or to play with someone or something. It is the third-person singular present indicative form of the verb leikittää, which can describe both literal play and figurative behavior. The nuance depends on context: it can refer to light, playful banter or to more negative manipulation of others’ words, hopes, or feelings.

In everyday language, leikittelee is often used for actions where someone treats something as a game or a matter of superficial importance. The figurative sense frequently carries a critical undertone when someone is seen as not being sincere or as exploiting another person’s expectations for amusement or advantage. For example, it can describe how a person uses words to tease or mislead, rather than to convey genuine intent.

Common usage examples include:

- Lapsi leikittelee leluillaan. (The child plays with his/her toys.)

- Hän leikittelee sanoillaan. (He/she toys with his/her words.)

- Poliitikko leikittelee äänestäjien toiveilla. (The politician toys with voters’ hopes.)

Related terms and forms include leikki (play), leikittäminen (the act of toying with), and leikittely (teasing or playful banter). The word is widely understood in both everyday conversation and literary contexts, where it can convey anything from innocent play to ironic or critical manipulation.