Yksin

Yksin is a Finnish adverb meaning “alone” or “by oneself.” It is used to indicate that someone performs an action without other people present, or that a person is in a solitary state. Yksin can describe how something is done, as in teki sen yksin, or describe living arrangements, as in asuu yksin, or being somewhere without company, as in olen täällä yksin.

Etymology and related terms: Yksin is derived from the numeral yksi (one) and functions as an adverb in contemporary Finnish. It is closely related to yksinäinen, the adjective meaning lonely or solitary, and to expressions that emphasize independence or lack of companionship. While both yksin and yksinäinen concern solitary situations, yksin focuses on the absence of others in the action or setting, not primarily on emotional state.

Usage: In Finnish, yksin contrasts with yhdessä (“together”). It is commonly used with verbs of action, living, or existence to indicate doing something without help or company. The form does not require a possessive suffix; phrases such as asuu yksin and teen sen yksin are idiomatic. Yksin can also modify locations or circumstances, as in täällä yksin or ilman apua, reinforcing the sense of solitude or independence.

Examples: Hän asuu yksin. Hän teki sen yksin. Olen täällä yksin. Kuvausmielessä yksin voi convey independence or absence of other people, while yksinäinen would emphasize feelings of loneliness or solitude in a person or place.

Notes: The word is routine in everyday Finnish and appears in spoken and written language. It should not be confused with the more emotional characterization implied by yksinäinen.