Tavallinen

tavallinen is a Finnish adjective meaning ordinary, usual, or commonplace. It is used to describe people, objects, or events that conform to common expectations or everyday life rather than being exceptional. Examples: "tavallinen päivä" (an ordinary day), "tavallinen kansalainen" (an ordinary citizen), "tavallinen kuluttaja" (an ordinary consumer). In contrast to expressions of rarity or extraordinariness such as "poikkeuksellinen" (exceptional) or "yllättävä" (surprising). The adverb form is "tavallisesti" or "tavallisin tavoin," but more commonly "tavallisesti" indicates normally or routinely.

Etymology: The word is formed from the root related to "tapa" meaning habit or custom, with the adjectival suffix -llinen, giving a sense of belonging to customary practice or standard. The concept covers what is typical or expected within a given context.

Usage notes: The word tavallinen is widely used in everyday Finnish, both spoken and written. In formal or technical contexts, synonyms like "normaali" or "tavanomainen" may be preferred. Distinctions: "tavanomainen" stresses conformity to customary norms in a more general or formal sense; "tavallinen" emphasizes general ordinariness and commonness.

Related forms: tavallisuus (ordinariness), tavanomainen (customary, conventional), tavanomaisuus (conventionality).