Liikkeellä

Liikkeellä is a Finnish expression that describes something being in motion, in operation, or circulating. It is commonly used with the verb olla (to be) to indicate that people, objects, information, or phenomena are currently moving or active. The phrase conveys immediacy and currentness, often implying that movement or activity is observable or noticeable.

The word is formed from the noun liike (movement, activity, or business) plus the adessive suffix -llä, yielding liikkeellä meaning “on the move” or “in circulation.” It is used in various contexts, from physical movement to non-physical forms of activity. In everyday speech you might hear sentences like Auto on liikkeellä (The car is on the move) or Tietä on liikkeellä (Word/info is circulating).

Common usage contexts include:

- Physical movement: objects or people in motion, such as vehicles, runners, or supplies in transit.

- Circulation of information or phenomena: rumors, news, or viruses that are spreading or prevalent at the moment.

- General activity: situations where something is active or underway, such as a product in the market being marketed or a policy being implemented.

Translations vary by context and can include “in motion,” “on the move,” “in circulation,” or “out and about.” The expression is a standard, neutral part of Finnish, suitable for both informal speech and formal writing. Related terms include liike (movement) and liikkuu (moves).