Rauhoittuu

Rauhoittuu is a Finnish verb that means to become calm, to settle down, or to ease emotionally or physically. It is used for both people and situations when agitation or activity decreases and a state of quiet or steadiness returns. The verb is intransitive and typically describes a change in internal state or a shift in external circumstances toward calm.

Etymology and related forms: Rauhoittuu is derived from rauha, peace, and the causative-derivative pattern found in related verbs such as rauhoittaa (to calm someone else). The infinitive is rauhoittua. The past tense third-person singular is rauhoittui (he/she/it calmed down). The past participle is rauhoittunut (having calmed down). The noun forms include rauhoittuminen (the process of calming down) and rauhoittuminen as a general concept.

Usage and nuances: The verb is commonly used to describe a person gradually achieving calm after agitation, fear, or stress, as well as a situation or environment that becomes quieter or less tense. It is often contrasted with verbs meaning to cause calm, such as rauhoittaa. In narrative and descriptive contexts, rauhoittuu can convey steps in emotional regulation, sleep onset, or stabilization of a chaotic setting.

Examples:

- Hän rauhoittuu nopeasti, kun hän kuuntelee rauhallista musiikkia.

- Lapsi rauhoittui kuunnellessaan satuja.

- Tilanne rauhoittuu yön kuluessa.

See also: rauhoittaa (to calm someone down), rauhoittuminen (the process of calming down).