epäonnistutaan

Epäonnistutaan is a Finnish word that translates to "let's fail" or "we will fail" in English. It is the first-person plural imperative form of the verb epäonnistua, which means to fail. The word is often used in a slightly ironic or humorous context, suggesting a deliberate attempt to fail or a resigned acceptance of potential failure.

The usage of epäonnistutaan can vary depending on the situation. It might be employed when facing a particularly challenging task, where the speaker anticipates a negative outcome and expresses it with a touch of self-deprecation. For instance, if a group of friends is attempting a complex DIY project with little experience, one might say, "No niin, epäonnistutaan sitten" (Alright then, let's fail). This can serve to lower expectations and relieve pressure.

Alternatively, epäonnistutaan can be used to express solidarity in the face of adversity. If a team is struggling in a competition, a player might rally their teammates with a phrase that, while acknowledging the likelihood of defeat, emphasizes shared experience. In such cases, it's less about actively seeking failure and more about facing it together. The word carries a distinctly Finnish pragmatism and a willingness to confront reality, even if that reality is not ideal. It reflects a cultural tendency towards understated humor and a less rigid approach to success and failure.