empinä

Empinä is a Finnish word that translates to "little girl" or "lass" in English. It is a diminutive form of the word "empi," which is an archaic or poetic term for a young woman. The suffix "-nä" is a diminutive suffix in Finnish, commonly used to express affection or to refer to something small. Therefore, "empinä" carries a sense of endearment and often evokes a feeling of youthfulness and innocence.

The term "empinä" is not as commonly used in everyday modern Finnish as some other diminutives. It might be encountered more frequently in older literature, poetry, or in certain regional dialects. When used, it typically refers to a very young female child, emphasizing her small size and delicate nature. It can also be used affectionately by adults towards girls they are close to, similar to how terms like "sweetie" or "darling" might be used in English. The connotations of "empinä" are generally positive, suggesting a cherished and beloved young female.