Suuriasioihin

Suuriasioihin is a Finnish expression used to indicate a shift of discussion from minor points to the important matters at hand. It is most common in formal settings such as meetings, committees, and parliamentary sessions, where it signals a move to the core topics of the agenda. The phrase literally refers to “to the big matters.”

Grammatically, suuriasioihin is formed from the plural partitive suuria asioita (important matters) with the illative suffix -iin, marking direction toward those matters. In use, it functions as a cue or command by a chair or moderator to steer the discussion toward central issues rather than tangential details.

Usage and nuance: The expression is a routine agenda-management device, conveying prioritization, efficiency, and seriousness. It helps participants focus on substantive decisions and time management. While widely understood in Finnish public discourse, suuriasioihin is a relatively formal or ceremonial phrase and may sound old-fashioned in everyday conversation.

Related terms include pääasiat and tärkeimmät asiat, which carry a similar meaning but different register. Pääasiat is slightly more common in everyday language, whereas suuriasioihin carries a stronger formal or institutional tone and often appears in written minutes or official speak.

In summary, suuriasioihin denotes the action of turning to the main issues in a discussion, functioning as a linguistic cue for agenda management and formality in Finnish public or organizational communication.