ensinnäkin

Ensinnäkin is Finnish for "firstly" or "in the first place." It functions as an adverb and discourse marker used to introduce the first point in a list, argument, or explanation. The term is common in formal and semi-formal writing as well as in public speaking, such as essays, reports, presentations, and debates.

In usage, ensinnäkin signals the order or priority of points rather than judging their importance. It is typically followed by a second point, for example with toiseksi ("second") or kolmanneksi ("third"). While widely understood across registers, it is most characteristic of written language and formal speech; in casual conversation speakers may opt for palvelimmin expressions such as ensin or ensimmäiseksi. When used at the start of a clause, it is common to place a comma after ensinnäkin, as in "Ensinnäkin, meidän on tarkasteltava kustannukset."

Etymologically, ensinnäkin is formed from the adjective ensimmäinen (first) with the particle -kin, which adds a sense of emphasis or inclusiveness. The word denotes the order of points in a structured argument rather than a qualitative assessment of importance. It is a standard feature in Finnish syntax for organizing enumerations.

Examples: Ensinnäkin, on tärkeää huomioida turvallisuus. Toiseksi, meidän on arvioitava kustannukset. Ensinnäkin can also appear mid-sentence: "Olemme, ensinnäkin, tarkastelleet riskit." Overall, ensinnäkin remains a conventional choice for introducing the first item in a systematic discussion.