OLENNAISET

Olennaiset is a Finnish plural noun or adjective phrase used to refer to the essential elements, core aspects, or most important things in a given context. It is derived from the concept of olennaisuus, meaning essentialness or importance. In everyday language and in formal writing, olennaiset typically specify what matters most, distinguishing the essential from the non-essential or peripheral.

In use, olennaiset often appears with a following noun, for example olennaiset asiat (the essential matters), olennaiset tekijät (the key factors), or olennaiset seikat (the crucial points). The term can also stand alone in contexts where the referent is understood from prior discussion. Synonyms in Finnish include keskeiset asiat, ydinkysymykset, and olennaisuus-related phrases. The English equivalents are “essentials,” “core elements,” or “the important points.”

Contextually, olennaiset is common in academic, technical, business, and policy discussions, where clarity about what is truly important helps focus analysis, reporting, and decision-making. It is distinct from non-essential or incidental elements, which might be described with terms like ei olennaiset or vähemmän tärkeät.

See also: olennaisuus, keskeiset asiat, ydinkysymykset, olennaiset asiat.