Vastaathan

Vastaathan is a Finnish word that translates to "Please answer" or "Will you answer?" in English. It is a polite imperative form of the verb "vastata," which means "to answer." The suffix "-han" is a particle that adds a softening or pleading tone to the request.

The word is commonly used in everyday conversation when someone is asking a question and expects a response. For example, if someone asks "Mikä sinun nimesi on?" (What is your name?), a polite follow-up could be "Vastaathan?" This implies "Will you please answer my question?"

"Vastaathan" can also be used in more formal contexts, such as written correspondence or official requests, though it is still considered a polite and somewhat informal way to prompt a reply. The use of the particle "-han" is characteristic of Finnish politeness strategies. While a direct imperative like "Vastaa!" (Answer!) would be grammatically correct, it can sound demanding or rude. "Vastaathan?" softens this, making the request more agreeable.

In essence, "Vastaathan" is a nuanced expression that conveys a polite expectation of a response in the Finnish language.