kertosäe

Kertosäe is the Finnish term for the chorus or refrain of a song. It is the part that is repeated after verses, typically containing a memorable hook and a more straightforward, repetitive lyric than the verse sections. The chorus often encapsulates the central idea or emotional peak of the song and may be sung by a group or by the lead singer with harmonies.

Etymology: The word is formed from kerto- (repetition or tell) and säe (line or stanza), yielding roughly “repeated line” or “refrain.”

Usage and structure: In many Finnish songs the kertosäe recurs after each verse and keeps the same text and melody across occurrences. It often features a distinctive melody or cadence and may involve a higher energy level or a hook that listeners can easily recall. The chorus is a focal point for listeners and is commonly the most recognizable part of the song.

Relation to other song parts: The verses (säkeistöt) tell the story or develop the themes, while the kertosäe emphasizes the central message and provides cohesion. Some songs include variations of the chorus (slightly altered lines or harmonies) in different iterations rather than a single fixed form.