Pyyhkäistä

Pyyhkäistä is a Finnish verb that translates to "to sweep" or "to wipe" in English. It can be used in a literal sense, referring to the act of cleaning a surface with a broom or cloth, or figuratively, to describe a quick, often superficial, action.

In its most common usage, pyyhkäistä describes the act of removing dust, dirt, or debris from a surface. For example, one might pyyhkäistä the floor with a broom or pyyhkäistä a table with a cloth. The verb implies a sweeping or wiping motion.

Figuratively, pyyhkäistä can denote a swift and brief action. This can include things like quickly glancing at something, brushing past someone, or making a passing remark. For instance, someone might pyyhkäistä the topic aside, meaning they dismissed it quickly without much consideration. Similarly, to pyyhkäistä past something suggests moving by it rapidly. The word also appears in the idiom "silmäyksellä pyyhkäistä," meaning to glance at something very quickly.

The verb is conjugated according to standard Finnish grammar. Its past tense forms indicate that the action has been completed, while its present tense forms describe ongoing or habitual actions. The imperative forms are used to give commands.