Vastuussa

Vastuussa is a Finnish expression meaning “in charge” or “responsible for.” It describes a person or entity that has authority, oversight, or accountability for a task, duty, or area. The term is commonly used in everyday speech as well as in work, education, and public administration to indicate who is answerable for outcomes.

Etymology and grammar: vastuussa is formed from the noun vastuu, meaning responsibility, combined with the inessive suffix -ssa, which marks a state or condition of being “in.” In practice, you typically say someone is vastuussa something, or that a person or unit is vastuussa for a given area. The phrase can function predicatively, as in Hän on vastuussa projektista (He/She is in charge of the project), and it can also appear in constructions like olla vastuussa jostakin or as a modifier in phrases such as vastuussa oleva johtaja (the person in charge).

Usage and nuance: vastuussa conveys a concrete expectation of accountability and leadership, rather than mere capability. It is often contrasted with vastuu as a general concept of obligation, and with vastuullinen, an adjective meaning “responsible” or “accountable.” In legal or formal contexts, vastuussa may imply liability or duty to address consequences of actions.

Related terms: vastuu (responsibility), vastuullinen (responsible, accountable), vastuunalainen (bearing responsibility). The vocabulary reflects a Finnish emphasis on clear designation of duty and accountability in organizations, teams, and institutions.