Tarvike

Tarvike is a Finnish noun meaning an item that is necessary to perform a task. The term is broad and covers tools, parts, materials, fittings, and other consumables that support a process or activity. Tarvike is commonly used in industrial, construction, maintenance, crafts, and retail contexts. The plural form tarvikkeet refers to the set of such items, while the singular tarvike denotes a single needed item. The concept is distinct from varuste (equipment in a broader sense) and raaka-aine (raw material).

Etymology and usage notes: Tarvike derives from tarve, meaning need, with a suffix that forms a noun for something that satisfies a need. In everyday language, tarvikkeet are items kept on hand to enable work, repair, or production. In procurement and stocking, they are often managed as maintenance or production supplies, rather than core products.

Common compounds and examples: The word appears in many compound terms, such as askartelutarvikkeet (craft supplies), rakennustarvikkeet (construction materials and accessories), konetarvikkeet (machine parts and accessories), and toimistotarvikkeet (office supplies). These terms illustrate how tarvike functions as a category label for interchangeable or supplementary items used to carry out tasks.

See also and related terms: Tarve (need); tarvikkeet (the supplies or equipment collectively); varuste (equipment); toimitusketju ja ylläpito (procurement and maintenance contexts). In Swedish, a loosely related concept is tillbehör, while in English the equivalents are supplies, equipment, or spare parts. Tarvike remains a general, context-dependent Finnish term rather than a specific product or brand.