Perusfysikaalisesti

Perusfysikaalisesti is a Finnish adverb that literally translates to “in basic physical terms.” It is used to introduce an explanation or statement that relies on fundamental principles of physics without delving into advanced mathematical detail. The word is formed from the noun “perus” meaning “basic” or “fundamental,” the noun “fysiikka” meaning “physics,” and the adverbial suffix “-isesti.” The prefix “perus‑” is common in Finnish to denote something that is elementary or core.

In practice, perusfysikaalisesti precedes statements like “perusfysikaalisesti voidaan sanoa, että” (“in basic physical terms we can say that”), signaling that the following claim is grounded in simple physical concepts such as Newtonian mechanics or electromagnetism. It is often found in safety manuals, educational texts, and everyday explanations where a brief, non-technical summary suffices.

The usage is popular among technical communicators and teachers who wish to keep explanations accessible. While the term is specific to the Finnish language, its concept mirrors English expressions such as “in plain terms” or “from a physics standpoint.” Because it does not imply inaccuracy, it is a neutral, widely accepted phrase in Finnish technical discourse.