idiomatiivinen

Idiomatiivinen is an adjective used in linguistics to describe expressions whose meaning cannot be derived from the literal meanings of their individual words. In Finnish linguistic usage, idiomatiivinen refers to idioms and other fixed expressions that exhibit non‑compositional semantics, in contrast to phrases whose sense follows from their parts. The term is formed from the root idiom with the Finnish suffix -atiivinen, signaling a characteristic or property.

Key features of idiomatiivinen expressions include non-literal or metaphorical meanings, fixed form, and conventional use within a language community. Their interpretation often relies on cultural knowledge and established usage rather than on a direct, word‑by‑word reading. Some idioms are highly opaque, while others are partially transparent, allowing speakers to infer meaning in part from the words while still relying on a conventional reading as a whole. Idiomaticity can vary in degree across expressions and languages.

Classification commonly distinguishes fully idiomatic expressions from semi‑idiomatic or semi‑transparent ones. Examples from English illustrate the concept: kick the bucket (to die) and spill the beans (to reveal a secret) are non‑compositional meanings not predictable from their parts. In contrast, more transparent phrases may still be figurative but retain clearer literal connections.

Applications of the concept include lexicography, language teaching, and natural language processing. Recognizing idiomatiivinen expressions is important for accurate translation, interpretation, and language learning, as literal translation often fails to capture intended meaning.