itsetunnolla

Itsetunnolla is a Finnish adverb meaning "with self-esteem" or "confidently." It describes the manner of an action, signaling that the subject acts with self-assurance and poise. The form is derived from itsetunto (self-esteem) plus the adessive suffix -lla, which in this case marks manner rather than location.

In usage, itsetunnolla is suitable for both spoken and written Finnish and typically carries a positive nuance, often describing conduct, speech, or bearing. Examples: Hän astui lavalle itsetunnolla (He stepped onto the stage confidently). Hän vastasi kysymyksiin itsetunnolla (He/She answered the questions confidently). It can also appear in narrative prose to characterize a person's attitude or resolve.

In grammar, itsetunnolla functions as an adverbial modifier; it describes how something is done, rather than where. The related adjective itsetuntoinen means "self-confident" and is used to describe a person more directly. The noun–adjective relationship reflects the same semantic core, with itsetunnolla extending that meaning to manner of action.

See also: itsetunto; itsetuntoinen.