Yleensä

Yleensä is a Finnish adverb meaning usually, generally, or in most cases. It is used to express that a statement describes typical behavior, frequent events, or general truths rather than exceptions.

The word derives from the adjective yleinen, meaning general or common. In everyday Finnish, yleensä is a standard term used in both spoken and written language to mark generality. It can modify a verb, an adjective, or an entire clause. It commonly appears at the beginning of a sentence or just before the main verb, but its position is flexible. In negative clauses, ei yleensä is used to indicate that something does not usually happen.

Examples: Yleensä herään kuudelta. Yleensä menen töihin klo kahdeksan.

Synonyms and contrasts: tavallisesti, normaalisti. Antonyms include aina (always) and poikkeuksetta (without exception). While yleensä conveys a broad sense of typicality, aina asserts universality, and poikkeuksetta emphasizes lack of exception.

Usage notes: Yleensä signals habituality or general truth rather than an absolute rule. It is common in everyday speech and suitable for both informal and formal writing, helping to soften statements or indicate typical patterns rather than certainties.