avautuvat

Avautuvat is a Finnish verb form meaning “they open” or “they unfold,” and it is the third-person plural present indicative form of the intransitive verb avautua. The root conveys the sense of becoming open or accessible, often describing a process rather than a deliberate action by an agent. In usage, avautua covers physical openings as well as metaphorical openings, such as opportunities or emotional openness.

Grammatical notes: Avautuvat accompanies plural subjects in present tense. The verb avautua is intransitive, so it does not take a direct object; the subject itself becomes open or revealed. The form is commonly used with inanimate nouns like ovet (doors), ikkunat (windows), or with abstract concepts such as mahdollisuudet (opportunities). It can also be employed in metaphorical contexts to describe people opening up emotionally or socially.

Usage and nuance: Avautua emphasizes the process of becoming open, often in situations where the opening occurs naturally or gradually. This contrasts with avata, which is used for a deliberate act of opening something and can take a direct object. In many contexts, both forms may be appropriate depending on whether the focus is on the result (the thing is open) or the act (someone opens the thing).

Examples: Ovet avautuvat. (The doors are opening.) Mahdollisuudet avautuvat (Opportunities open up). Tunteet voivat avautua, kun luottamus kasvaa. (Feelings may open up as trust grows.)