Synmielevä

Synmielevä is a Finnish word that roughly translates to "feeling empathy" or "sympathizing." It describes the capacity to understand and share the feelings of another person. It is not simply pity, but a deeper connection where one can imagine themselves in another's situation and experience a similar emotional response. This concept is considered important in Finnish culture, emphasizing mutual understanding and support within communities. The word is composed of "syn-" which relates to togetherness or shared experience, and "mieli" meaning mind or feeling, and "levä" which can be interpreted as spreading or extending. Therefore, synmielevä signifies the mind or feeling extending to encompass another. It is often used to describe a state of being that fosters strong social bonds and a sense of collective well-being. The ability to be synmielevä is valued as a key component of healthy interpersonal relationships and a compassionate society.