Varsinaisena

Varsinaisena is a Finnish adverb derived from the adjective varsinainen, meaning genuine, proper, main, or real. It is used to indicate that something should be understood in its real or primary sense, or in the capacity described, rather than figuratively or secondary. The form is most common in formal or written Finnish and can introduce phrases that specify the true role or purpose of something.

Etymology and usage notes: The adverb is formed from the stem of varsinainen with the suffix -na, a common pattern in Finnish to create adverbial expressions that denote function or status. Varsinaisena often appears in phrases such as varsinaisena tarkoituksena (the real/main purpose) or varsinaisena syynä (the real reason). It can also describe someone acting in a specific role, for example varsinaisena todistajana (as the main/witness) or used to contrast with figurative or nonessential meanings.

Examples:

- Tämän projektin varsinaisena tavoitteena on parantaa tiedonvälitystä.

- Havaintoja käytettiin varsinaisena todisteena tapauksessa.

- Hän puhuu varsinaisena todistajana, kun kuulustelut alkaa.

Usage tends to be more common in written or formal contexts, such as journalism, legal writing, or academic texts. In everyday speech, speakers may opt for simpler expressions and omit varsinaisena when the intended sense is clear from context.

See also: varsinainen, related forms and constructions in Finnish that express genuineness, centrality, or main role.