eielävissä

eielävissä is a Finnish word that translates to "still alive" or "still living" in English. It is a compound word formed from "ei" meaning "not" and "eläviä" which is the partitive plural of "elävä," meaning "alive" or "living." The combination creates a negation of the state of being alive, but in its common usage, it signifies the continuation of life against expectations or in challenging circumstances.

The phrase is often used to express relief or surprise that someone or something has survived a difficult situation, a dangerous event, or a period of prolonged illness. For example, one might say "Hän on eielävissä" (He/She is still alive) after hearing news of an accident or a serious health condition. It can also be applied to situations where survival seemed unlikely, such as a plant that has endured harsh weather or an old building that has remained standing despite its age.

While literally translating to "not alive" (plural), the grammatical structure and idiomatic usage in Finnish convey the meaning of continued existence. It is a common expression in everyday conversation and literature, highlighting the resilience of life. The word emphasizes the ongoing state of being, often in contrast to a potential or feared absence of life.