Paussit

Paussit is the plural form of paussi in Finnish, meaning a pause, break, or hiatus. The term covers intervals of temporary interruption in various activities, such as speech, work, or performance.

The word paussi comes from Finnish, with cognates in other Nordic languages—Swedish paus and the English pause—reflecting a common concept of a temporary halt.

In linguistics and rhetoric, paussit refer to deliberate breaks in spoken language that influence rhythm, intonation, and listener processing. They can mark boundaries between phrases, allow planning of forthcoming speech, or convey effect. In literature and drama, paussit create pacing or suspense; in music and performance, they denote rests or intervals between notes, or intermissions.

In media and everyday life, paussit occur as intermissions, coffee breaks at conferences, or pauses in transmissions. The term is commonly used with modifiers such as lyhyt paussi (short pause) and pitkä paussi (long pause) to describe duration.

See also: tauko, keskeytys.