kohdella

Kohdella is a Finnish verb meaning to treat or handle. It is used when talking about how people or things are treated, and covers both direct medical care and more general conduct by institutions or individuals. In medical contexts kohdella potilasta refers to clinical treatment, while in social or legal discussions it refers to fair or unfair treatment.

For example: Potilas kohdellaan huolellisesti. Ihmisiä kohdellaan tasa-arvoisesti.

Grammatically, kohdella is a transitive verb that forms its tenses like other Finnish verbs. The present passive form is kohdellaan, and the past participle is kohdeltu, which is used in perfect and passive constructions. The verb is often used with direct objects such as potilasta, asiakasta, tai ihmisiä.

Notes: The word is distinct from käsitellä, which more often means to handle, process, or discuss a matter rather than physically or morally treating a person. Kohdella emphasizes interpersonal treatment and normative judgment, whereas käsitellä focuses on processing or managing tasks. The nuance of kohdella can therefore range from medical care to how people are treated in policies or everyday interactions.