Sellaisinaan

Sellaisinaan is a Finnish adverb meaning “as such,” “in that form,” or “without alteration.” It is used to indicate that something should be left in its current state or to refer to what has just been described, exactly as it was stated. The term functions to preserve the described condition rather than to modify it.

Etymology and form: The word is built from the demonstrative adjective sellainen, meaning “such,” combined with an adverbial formation that conveys staying in the stated form. In everyday language, sellaisinaan signals fidelity to the original description or instruction.

Usage: Sellaisinaan appears in both speech and writing. Common examples include: “Jätä se sellaisinaan” (Leave it as it is) and “Käytä ohjetta sellaisinaan” (Use the instruction as it is). It can also be used more abstractly to indicate that a claim or rule applies in its stated sense, as in “Se pätee sellaisinaan” (That applies as such).

Nuance and register: The term is versatile and widely understood in Finnish. It is not overly casual, but it is not restricted to formal prose either; it can appear in instructions, guidelines, or narrative where fidelity to a prior description is important.

Related forms: Related words include sellainen (such/such a), sellaisena (in that form), and sellaisuus (the nature of such). Sellaisinaan specifically emphasizes keeping the thing exactly as described.