ilmaisut

Ilmaisut is a Finnish noun meaning expressions or utterances. It is the plural form of ilmaisu, derived from the verb ilmaista, meaning to express. The term is used both in everyday language and in linguistic discussion to refer to the ways meaning is conveyed in speech, writing, and other expressive forms.

In linguistics and language education, ilmaisut covers units of expression, including words, phrases, idioms, fixed expressions, and other conventional forms used to communicate. It also can include nonverbal cues that accompany communication, such as tone of voice or gestures, as part of how a message is expressed.

Common types of ilmaisut include idioms, set phrases, and collocations, which often carry meaning beyond their literal words. The study of ilmaisut helps explain figurative language, pragmatics, and expressive style, and is used in teaching to improve comprehension of authentic language. In art and media, the term can also refer to the broader expressive style or mode by which ideas are conveyed.