kiiltoinen

Kiiltoinen is a Finnish adjective that translates to "shiny" or "glossy" in English. It describes a surface that reflects light and appears smooth and lustrous. The word is derived from the Finnish noun "kiilto," meaning shine or gloss.

The term "kiiltoinen" is commonly used in everyday language to describe various objects. For instance, one might refer to kiiltoinen leather shoes, indicating their polished and reflective appearance. Similarly, a kiiltoinen car paint job suggests a smooth, gleaming finish. In the context of interior design, furniture or walls can be described as kiiltoinen if they have a high-gloss surface.

Beyond describing physical surfaces, "kiiltoinen" can also be used metaphorically. While less common, it can imply a superficial attractiveness or a polished presentation that might mask underlying flaws. However, its primary and most frequent usage refers to a literal, visible sheen. The opposite of kiiltoinen would be terms like "matta" (matte) or "himmeä" (dull).