epäkohtaista

Epäkohtaista is Finnish an adjective meaning not fitting, inappropriate, or improper. The root word kohtainen/kohta relates to being fitting or appropriate, and the negative prefix epä- indicates the opposite. Epäkohtaista is the partitive singular form used in many constructions, especially when describing conduct or expressions in a general sense.

Usage and scope: The term is commonly used in both formal and everyday Finnish to condemn behavior that does not meet accepted norms of politeness, ethics, or rules. Typical collocations include epäkohtaista käytöstä (inappropriate conduct), epäkohtaista puhetta (inappropriate speech), and epäkohtaista kommentointia (inappropriate commenting). It can describe anything from minor social gaffes to more serious violations, depending on context and tone. In media and official discourse, epäkohtaista often signals normative critique without prescribing specific penalties.

Nuance: Etymologically, epäkohtaista highlights that something is out of place within a given social or professional setting. It connotes a judgment about appropriateness rather than a legal violation. Related terms include asiallinen (proper, appropriate), sopiva (suitable), epäasiallinen (inappropriate or improper), and kohtuuton (unreasonable or excessive). The word is relatively neutral in grammar but can carry a strong evaluative tone in critical contexts.

See also: Epäkohtainen, Epäasiallinen, Asiallinen, Sopiva.