kiihko

Kiihko is a Finnish noun that denotes ardor, zeal, or fervor—an intense enthusiasm for a person, cause, activity, or idea. It can describe strong emotional drive and commitment, and is used in both everyday and more formal contexts.

The term often carries a sense of energy and commitment, but it can also imply intensity that borders on excess or fanaticism. In that sense, kiihko is closely related to kiihkeä (ardent, impassioned) and to related nouns such as kiihkoilu (zealotry or zeal), kiihkoiluja (instances of zeal), and kiihkoisuus (zeal, ardor).

Usage and nuance: kiihko can be used positively to praise genuine passion or dedication, yet it also appears in discussions of extremism or fanatical behavior. The tone depends on context and the accompanying language. Common collocations include kiihkeä, kiihkoileva, and kiihkoilu, which shape whether the emphasis is on warmth, intensity, or uncritical zeal.

Related forms: kiihkeä (adjective), kiihko (noun), kiihkoilu (noun for zealotry or zealous behavior), kiihkoisuus (zeal or ardor), kiihkoileva (zealous). These forms are widely understood in Finnish and appear in literature, journalism, and everyday speech.

See also: kiihkeä, kiihkeä intohimo, kiihkoilu, temperament and passion-related terms in Finnish. The concept is primarily linguistic and cultural, describing a mode of emotional engagement rather than a concrete object or institution.