Tarjoutui

Tarjoutui is the past tense form of the Finnish verb tarjoutua, meaning to volunteer or to come forward to undertake a task, and to offer oneself in a given situation. It describes someone taking the initiative to help, participate, or provide resources, either personally or on behalf of an organization.

In everyday language tarjoutua is used with various complements. Common constructions include tarjoutua auttamaan (to offer to help), tarjoutua mukaan (to offer to join), and tarjoutua rahoittamaan (to offer to fund). The past tense tarjoutui is used when the volunteering has already occurred: Hän tarjoutui auttamaan projektia. Hän tarjoutui mukaan kilpailuun. Yritys tarjoutui rahoittamaan tutkimusta.

Etymology and form: tarjoutua is derived from the root tarjota, meaning “to offer,” with a derivational suffix that forms an intransitive verb. The stem tarjoutu- combines with various endings to express different tenses and persons, with tarjoutui being the third-person singular past tense form.

Usage notes: Tarjoutua conveys voluntary willingness rather than a formal commitment. It is neutral and suitable for both everyday and more formal contexts. It can be contrasted with ilmoittautua, which emphasizes signing up or registering, whereas tarjoutua stresses proactive offering oneself for a role or task.

See also: tarjota (to offer), ilmoittautua (to sign up), vapaaehtoisuus (volunteering).