Suunnatessaan

Suunnatessaan is a Finnish verb form derived from the verb suunnata, meaning to direct, aim, or orient. It is used as an adverbial participle to indicate that the subject of the main clause carries out another action at the same time as the action in the main clause. In practice, it expresses a background or simultaneous action and is most naturally translated as “while directing” or “as he/she directed,” depending on context and aspect.

Formation and use: Suunnatessaan combines the verb stem with a participial suffix to form an adverbial clause. The form links to the subject of the main clause, so the same subject performs both actions in the sentence. This construction is common in written Finnish and in formal or literary style, where it often adds nuance or conciseness to a sentence. In everyday speech, speakers more frequently use conjunctions or adverbial phrases instead of such participial clauses.

Translation and nuance: The translation of suunnatessaan depends on the surrounding context. It typically conveys simultaneous action, for example directing one’s attention or actions while doing something else. It can emphasize the manner in which the main action is carried out or provide a temporal backdrop to the event.

Example: Hän kirjoitti muistiinpanonsa suunnatessaan katseensa ikkunaan. (He wrote down his notes while directing his gaze toward the window.)

Related forms: The sentence is part of a broader set of adverbial participles in Finnish, such as katsoessaan (while looking) or kuunnellessaan (while listening). These forms share the function of expressing concurrent action with the main clause.