Tulemassa

Tulemassa is a Finnish expression meaning “in the process of coming” or “imminent.” It is used to describe events, changes, or situations that are approaching or expected to occur soon. The form functions as an adverbial participle and is typically attached to a noun phrase to indicate that the referenced thing is upcoming or developing.

Etymology and grammar: Tulemassa is formed from the verb tulla (to come) and the participial suffix -massa, which signals an ongoing or developing state. It is closely related to tuleva (upcoming) but carries a stronger sense of immediacy or in-progress status. In everyday use, tulemassa can appear attributively in front of a noun, as in tulemassa oleva muutos (“an impending change”), or predicatively in clauses to express that something is in the near future.

Usage: Tulemassa is more common in formal or written Finnish, including journalism, planning documents, and formal announcements. In ordinary speech, speakers often prefer tulossa, which conveys a similar meaning with a more everyday tone. Tulemassa emphasizes the ongoing process leading up to the event or change, rather than simply its status as forthcoming.

Examples:

- Tulemassa oleva muutos isännöintikäytäntöihin vaikuttaa lähivuosina. (An impending change will affect hosting practices in the coming years.)

- Tulemassa oleva tilaisuus järjestetään ensi kuussa. (The upcoming event will be held next month.)

See also: tulla, tuleva, tulevaisuus, tulossa.