Lähimuistutuksena

Lähimuistutuksena is a Finnish expression used to introduce a reminder or set information in a courteous way. It is commonly employed in written communication to frame a message as a gentle nudge rather than a direct admonition, helping to maintain a polite or formal tone.

Etymology and form: The phrase is formed from the noun muistutus (reminder) combined with the translative suffix -na/-nä, yielding lähimuistutuksena, meaning “as a reminder.” It typically appears at the start of a clause or sentence, for example: “Lähimuistutuksena muistutan teitä siitä, että...”

Usage and tone: Lähimuistutuksena is most frequent in formal or semi-formal Finnish, such as business correspondence, official notices, or memos. It signals that the following information is intended as a courtesy reminder. The construction can temper requests, deadlines, or instructions, making them feel less authoritative and more cooperative. In casual speech, the phrase is less common but still understood.

Examples:

- Lähimuistutuksena muistutan teitä siitä, että hakemuksen määräaika on huomenna.

- Lähimuistutuksena haluan ohjata huomionne seuraavaan kokoukseen, jonka aika on siirtynyt.

See also: muistutus, tiedote, kehotus. Lähimuistutuksena is a useful tool for maintaining politeness in reminder-like communications while preserving clarity of information.