elämää

Elämä is the Finnish noun for life. It refers to the condition of being alive, the set of living beings collectively, and the experiences of living. The term is used across science, culture, and everyday speech.

The word elama is derived from elää, the verb meaning to live.

Biology: In biology, life is typically defined by a set of characteristics including organization, metabolism, growth, responsiveness, reproduction, and evolution. Living systems range from microorganisms to plants and animals, with energy flow and homeostasis supporting their activities.

Linguistic and cultural usage: In Finnish, elämä often refers to personal experience and existential questions. Compound terms like elämänvaiheet (life stages), elämänlaatu (quality of life), and elämäkerta (biography) show its broad use in culture.

In philosophy and ethics, life is considered in terms of its value and moral standing; debates surround topics such as end-of-life decisions and the preservation of life, reflecting the term’s broader social and ethical implications.