Perusongelmaan

Perusongelmaan is the illative singular form of the Finnish noun perusongelma, meaning the basic or fundamental problem. The compound consists of perus- (base, fundamental) and ongelma (problem). In Finnish grammar, illative forms indicate motion or direction into something, so perusongelmaan can be translated as “into the basic problem” or, more idiomatically, “to the fundamental problem” or “the core issue.”

Usage and connotation: The term is used in formal and analytical contexts to shift focus from symptoms or superficial aspects to underlying causes or structural issues. It is common in academic writing, policy discussions, journalism, and problem-solving conversations when assessing why a system, process, or situation fails or behaves undesirably. Selecting the perusongelmaan directs scrutiny toward root causes rather than secondary effects.

Examples:

- Keskustelu siirtyi nopeasti perusongelmaan: miksi ohjelma epäonnistuu? (The discussion quickly moved to the fundamental problem: why does the program fail?)

- Tarvitaan selvitys, joka pureutuu perusongelmaan eikä vain oireisiin. (We need an analysis that addresses the core issue rather than just the symptoms.)

Translations: In English, the term is often rendered as basic problem or core issue. It should not be confused with perusongelma itself; perusongelmaan is the illative form used when the sentence requires direction toward that problem.