Valvojana

Valvojana is a Finnish grammatical form used to express that someone is acting in the role or capacity of a supervisor. It is formed by attaching the suffix -na to the noun valvoja (supervisor), producing a phrase equivalent to “as a supervisor” in English. The construction is commonly used with verbs that describe taking or holding a role, such as toimia (to act as) or työskennellä (to work as).

Usage and nuances

Valvojana denotes function, responsibility, or official capacity rather than a permanent title. It appears in both formal and semi-formal contexts, including job descriptions, safety provisions, and administrative language. The form is typically found in predicates or complement clauses, for example: Hän toimii valvojana rakennustyömaalla (He works as a supervisor on the construction site). Tehtävänä on toimia valvojana (The task is to act as a supervisor).

Plural and related forms

In plural contexts, the corresponding form is valvojina, used when referring to multiple people acting as supervisors. The broader pattern of -na/-nä suffixes in Finnish is used to express roles and functions across many occupational titles, such as johtajana (as a leader) or opettajana (as a teacher).

See also

Valvoja (supervisor), valvonta (supervision), Finnish grammar, suffix -na in role expressions.