Perusperusteena

Perusperusteena is a Finnish term used to express that something rests on or is guided by a basic principle or foundational criterion. Grammatically it is the adessive-like instrumental form of the compound noun perusperuste, meaning a fundamental basis. The suffix -na/-nä in Finnish language use marks a role or function, here indicating “as the basis.”

The phrase is mainly found in formal and written Finnish, such as policy documents, legal texts, project plans and academic writing. It signals the core justification, criterion, or objective that underpins a claim, decision or action. Because it foregrounds the foundational element, perusperusteena often introduces or anchors what follows in a sentence.

Typical usage patterns include constructions such as “Perusperusteena on …” or “Hankkeen perusperusteena on …,” followed by the principle, criterion or aim in question. In everyday speech, speakers may opt for simpler expressions like “perusta on” or “perusteena on,” but perusperusteena remains common in formal registers.

Examples:

- Perusperusteena on potilasturvallisuus. (The basic basis is patient safety.)

- Koulutusohjelman suunnittelun perusperusteena on tasa-arvojen huomiointi. (The fundamental basis for designing the education program is the consideration of equality.)

Etymology note: the term combines perus- (basic) and peruste (basis) and uses the instrumental -na/-nä to denote “as.” Related concepts include peruste, perusta and perusteellinen, which describe causes, grounds, or thoroughness in different senses.