Sivelytään

Sivelytään is a Finnish word that translates to "to be petted" or "to be caressed" in English. It is the passive present tense form of the verb "sivellä," which means "to pet," "to stroke," or "to caress." The word is typically used to describe a gentle touching action performed on a person or animal, often with the intention of providing comfort, affection, or pleasure.

The act of sivelytään can encompass a variety of movements, such as stroking hair, patting a back, or gently running a hand over a surface. It implies a soft and deliberate touch, distinct from more forceful actions like rubbing or slapping. In the context of human interaction, sivelytään can convey warmth and intimacy, often seen between loved ones or when comforting someone. When applied to animals, it is commonly associated with showing affection and building a bond.

The passive voice "sivelytään" specifically indicates that the subject of the sentence is receiving the action of petting or caressing. For example, a sentence like "Kissa sivelytään" would mean "The cat is being petted." This grammatical structure emphasizes the experience of the one being touched, rather than the actions of the one doing the touching. The word is a common element in descriptions of tender moments and gentle interactions in Finnish language.