kamppailevat

Kamppailevat is the present tense, third-person plural form of the Finnish verb kamppailla, meaning to struggle, contend, or fight for something. The term covers both physical fighting and figurative struggles, such as competing for a prize, dealing with difficulties, or striving to achieve a goal.

In use, kamppailla describes ongoing effort or opposition. Examples include kamppailla voitosta (to contend for the victory) or kamppailla taloudellisten vaikeuksien kanssa (to struggle with financial difficulties). The form kamppailevat corresponds to “they are struggling/contending.” It is commonly found in sports reporting, discussions of economics or social issues, and everyday language.

Related linguistic forms include kamppaileva (present participle meaning someone who is struggling or contending), kamppailu (a struggle or combat), and kamppailija (a fighter or competitor). The term kamppailla is etymologically linked to kamppailu, which originally referred to physical fighting and wrestling and has since broadened to general struggle.

Usage notes emphasize nuance: kamppailla focuses on ongoing effort against opposition or adversity, rather than on violence alone. It can convey persistence, resilience, and contestation in various contexts.

See also: kamppailu, kamppailija. While it can be close in meaning to kilpailla (to compete), kamppailla often implies endurance and struggle against obstacles, not merely aiming for a win.