Lyhyentää

Lyhyentää is a Finnish verb meaning "to shorten" or "to abbreviate." It is derived from the adjective lyhyt, meaning "short." The verb can be used in various contexts, referring to the physical shortening of an object, the reduction of time, or the abbreviation of words or phrases.

For example, one might lyhyentää hiuksiaan (shorten one's hair) or lyhyentää matkaa (shorten a journey). In written language, lyhyentää is often used to describe the process of creating an abbreviation. For instance, "Suomen kieli lyhyntää usein sanoja" translates to "The Finnish language often shortens words." This can involve removing letters or syllables to create a more concise form. Common examples include abbreviations for organizations, titles, or technical terms. The context typically clarifies whether a physical shortening or an abbreviation is implied. The verb can also be used reflexively, as in "aika lyhyntyy" (time shortens), suggesting a feeling of time passing quickly.