Pätee

Pätee is a Finnish verb form meaning "applies" or "is applicable." It is the third-person singular present indicative form of the verb päteä, which denotes that a rule, law, statement, or condition holds or has effect in a given situation.

Usage and meaning

Pätee is commonly used in formal, administrative, or legal language to indicate that a rule or provision is valid for a particular case or group. It can be used to express that something is binding, relevant, or in force in the specified context. In everyday language, speakers may also use synonyms such as koskee or on voimassa, depending on nuance and register.

Examples

Tämä sääntö pätee kaikkiin tilauksiin. (This rule applies to all orders.)

Tämä takuu pätee kahden vuoden ajan. (This warranty is valid for two years.)

Laki pätee tämän tilanteen osalta. (The law applies to this situation.)

Relation to other terms

Pätee is closely related to concepts of validity and applicability. It contrasts with phrases like koskee, which emphasizes what something concerns, and with olla voimassa, which stresses in-force status. Etymologically, pätee derives from the verb päteä, meaning to be valid or to apply.

Notes

Pätee is predominantly used in formal or official contexts. In less formal Finnish, speakers might prefer alternative expressions such as koskee or on voimassa, depending on the intended nuance.