Syyllaan

Syyllaan is a Finnish word that translates to "blame" or "fault" in English. It refers to the responsibility or culpability for a negative event, action, or outcome. The concept of syyllaan is central to understanding responsibility, guilt, and accountability within social and legal contexts.

In everyday Finnish conversation, syyllaan is used to assign responsibility when something goes wrong. For example, one might ask "Kenen syyllaan tämä on?" which translates to "Whose fault is this?". This implies a search for the party or cause responsible for a particular situation. The word can be used in both personal and more formal settings, such as legal proceedings or discussions about responsibility in a group project.

The legal system in Finland, like many others, deals extensively with syyllaan. Determining who is syyllaan is crucial for establishing legal liability, whether in criminal or civil cases. This involves examining evidence and determining causation and intent. The concept is also present in moral and ethical discussions, where individuals might reflect on their own syyllaan for their actions or the actions of others. Understanding syyllaan involves recognizing that it can be attributed to individuals, groups, or even external factors, though the focus is often on human agency.