kokenut

Kokenut is a Finnish adjective meaning experienced or seasoned. It describes a person or entity with substantial practical experience in a field, and it is often used to signal competence gained through work rather than formal credentials alone.

Origin and form: The word derives from the verb kokea, “to experience,” with the past participle suffix -nut. In Finnish, -nut forms adjectives that denote having undergone a completed experience, which is how kokenut is typically understood.

Usage and nuance: It is widely used in professional and everyday contexts. Examples include kokenut ammattilainen (seasoned professional) and kokenut kuljettaja (experienced driver). The term can function predicatively as well as attributively: Hän on kokenut, or Hän on kokenut ammattilainen. It contrasts with kokematon, meaning inexperienced. In some registers, kokenut can carry a blunt or pragmatic tone, emphasizing practical know-how over formal qualifications.

Related terms and translation: Related concepts include kokemus (experience) and kokeneisuus (level of experience). In English, the closest equivalents are “experienced” or “seasoned,” with “veteran” sometimes used in translations when the noun form is implied. In Finnish usage, kokenut is typically placed before the noun it describes, as in kokenut työntekijä or kokenut neuvonantaja.