Väännellä

Väännellä is a Finnish verb that translates to twisting, wriggling, or contorting. It describes the action of moving or bending something in a repetitive or uneven way, often with a sense of effort or discomfort. The word can be used in various contexts, both literal and figurative.

Literally, väännellä can refer to the physical act of twisting an object, such as turning a knob or tightening a screw. It can also describe the movement of a body part, like a limb or a torso, as it twists or bends. This might be seen in actions like a dancer's contortions or someone struggling to free themselves from a tight space.

Figuratively, väännellä can describe the way someone speaks or expresses themselves. For example, someone might be accused of "väännellä sanoja" (twisting words), meaning they are distorting the meaning of what is being said or are being deliberately evasive. It can also imply an awkward or overly complicated explanation.

The word often carries a connotation of something not being straightforward or smooth. A motion described as väännellä might be jerky, uneven, or involve a degree of resistance. Similarly, a figurative use of väännellä suggests a lack of directness or clarity. The concept of väännellä is central to understanding nuanced descriptions of movement and communication in Finnish.