juurikin

Juurikin is a Finnish adverb meaning exactly or precisely, used to emphasize a statement or agreement. It is formed by combining the base word juuri, which has a sense of exactness, with the enclitic particle -kin, which adds emphasis or inclusivity. The result is an emphatic modifier that often translates to “just,” “really,” or “precisely” in English, depending on context.

Etymology and form: The word juurikin derives from juuri and the particle -kin. The enclitic -kin is a common intensifier in Finnish and can attach to adjectives, nouns, or other words to heighten emphasis. In juurikin, the combination strengthens the assertion of exactness or certainty.

Usage: Juurikin is widely used in both spoken and written Finnish to give a strong turn of phrase. It can appear at the beginning of a clause or inside it. Examples include: “Juuri näin.” (Exactly like this.) “Se on juurikin sitä, mitä ajattelin.” (That is precisely what I thought.) “Juuri tämän takia teimme sen.” (That is for exactly this reason.) “Juuri nyt” conveys immediacy, while “juurikin nyt” emphasizes that immediacy even more.

Nuance and register: Juurikin conveys a clear, forceful emphasis. In casual conversation it feels natural and confident; in formal writing it is used sparingly to avoid overstatement. The term helps signal certainty about factual accuracy or shared understanding.

See also: juuri, -kin.