kohtuudella

Kohtuudella is a Finnish adverb meaning “in moderation; with restraint; reasonably.” It describes actions performed without excess, signaling a balanced and prudent approach rather than taking things to extremes. The word is formed from the adjective kohtuullinen (moderate, reasonable) with an adverbial formation, yielding kohtuudella as a manner adverb.

Usage and nuance: Kohtuudella is common in everyday language as well as in health guidance, consumer advice, and policy discussions. It can accompany verbs related to consumption, spending, or risk-taking. Examples include: Syö kohtuudella ja monipuolisesti (Eat in moderation and balance), Juo kohtuudella (Drink in moderation), Käytä rahaa kohtuudella (Use money in moderation), Aja kohtuudella (Drive with moderation). In many contexts it can also modify a whole clause, as in “Käytä alkoholia kohtuudella.” The expression emphasizes the degree or extent of an activity rather than the character of the actor.

Relation to other Finnish terms: Kohtuudella is related to kohtuullinen (moderate, reasonable). While kohtuudella focuses on the manner of performing an action, kohtuullisesti or maltillisesti describe the manner or degree more generally. Kohtuudellista or cautious phrasing may overlap with varovaisuus or maltillisuus in particular contexts.

See also: moderation in health guidance, phrases for prudent consumption, and related Finnish adverbs such as kohtuullisesti, maltillisesti, and varovaisesti.