itämään

itämään is a Finnish verb that translates to "to sprout" or "to germinate" in English. It refers to the process by which a seed begins to grow, typically by sending out a root and a shoot. This biological process is fundamental to plant reproduction and the growth of new plants.

The verb is commonly used in agricultural and horticultural contexts, describing the initial stages of crop development or the planting of seeds. For example, one might say "Siemenet alkavat itämään" which means "The seeds are starting to sprout." It can also be used metaphorically to describe the beginning or development of an idea, feeling, or project. In this metaphorical sense, "itämään" suggests a nascent stage where something is just beginning to take form or gain momentum.

The word derives from the Finnish word "ito," meaning sprout or germ. The verb conjugation follows standard Finnish grammatical rules. Understanding "itämään" is key to comprehending discussions about plant life, agriculture, and figurative expressions of nascent development in the Finnish language.