Seksuaalinen

Seksuaalinen is the Finnish adjective meaning “sexual” or “relating to sexuality.” It is used to describe aspects, processes, and topics connected to sex, sexuality, and sexual health. In everyday language it appears in compounds such as seksuaalinen suuntautuminen (sexual orientation), seksuaalinen terveys (sexual health), and seksuaalinen väkivalta (sexual violence).

As a modifier, seksuaalinen goes before a noun: seksuaalinen kehitys (sexual development) or seksuaalinen häirintä (sexual harassment). It is often paired with the noun seksuaalisuus (sexuality) or with more specific terms to form established phrases like seksuaaliterveys (sexual health) and seksuaalikasvatus (sex education).

Etymology: the adjective is formed from the Finnish root seksuaali, which is related to the Latin sexus (sex) through historical linguistic development. It belongs to a family of terms including seksuaalisuus (sexuality), seksuaalinen identiteetti (sexual identity), and seksuaaliterveys (sexual health).

In public discourse, discussions of seksuaalinen topics occur in healthcare, education, and law, with emphasis on consent, safety, and inclusivity. The term covers biological, psychological, cultural, and ethical dimensions of human sexuality, and is typically used with specific nouns to convey precise meanings in professional and educational contexts.