Nimikkeet

Nimike is a Finnish noun with several related meanings tied to designation, label or title. It can refer to a designation for a person, an object, a concept or a work, and it is commonly used for both descriptions and official labels.

Usage and meanings

In everyday language nimike describes what something is called or how it is labeled. It can denote a product description, a category in a catalog, or a label attached to an item. In business and procurement contexts nimike refers to a line item or item description in orders, budgets and catalogs. For example, “Tilaus sisältää nimikkeet: toimistotarvikkeet ja paperitarvikkeet,” where nimike describes what is being purchased rather than a code. In employment and organizational contexts nimike can mean a person’s official designation or job title, as in “Hänen nimikkeensä on projektipäällikkö.” In libraries, archives and bibliographic records nimike is the title or descriptive label of a work, such as a book or document.

Relation to other terms

Nimi means name in a general sense and is often used for a person’s name. Otsikko denotes a title or heading in a text or publication. Tunniste refers to an identifier or tag used in information systems. Nimike sits between these senses as a broader designation label used for description, labeling and official titles.

Etymology and usage notes

Nimike is formed from nimi (name) with the suffix -ke, producing a noun that indicates a label, designation or description. The plural nimikkeet is used when listing several designations or labels.