kaivataan

Kaivataan is a Finnish verb in the present passive form of kaivata, meaning to long for, miss, or desire, or to be needed. In everyday use it is often employed impersonally: the subject is not a specific person but the thing that is desired by people in general. This makes kaivataan a common way to express collective wants or needs without naming the actor.

Usage and nuance: Kaivataan is frequently used in public announcements, media, and organizational calls for action. It signals that something is needed or desired by a group, rather than describing a concrete action by a particular subject. The tone can range from neutral to urgent, depending on context. For example, phrases like "Kaivataan lisää resursseja" (More resources are needed) or "Kaivataan vapaaehtoisia" (Volunteers are needed) are typical.

Grammatical notes: The form is the present passive, so the doer is unspecified. The past tense of this verb is kaivattiin (was needed/was longed for). The verb can also appear in other passive moods or with various nouns in the genitive to indicate what is desired.

Related forms and usage: The active form kaivata is used when the subject is explicit (e.g., "minä kaivatan jotakin" would be uncommon; instead one says "kaipaan jotakin" in everyday speech). Kaivataan is especially common in public discourse, job postings, event notices, and appeals where the focus is on the need or desire rather than on who must fulfill it.