kuitenkin

Kuitenkin is a Finnish word that functions as a conjunction or adverb meaning “however,” “nevertheless,” or “in spite of that.” It introduces a statement that contrasts with or moderates what has been said previously.

Grammatical use: It can appear at the beginning of a clause or in the middle of a sentence. It signals a concession or a counterpoint that nuances the prior claim. In written Finnish it is common in formal or semi-formal style; in everyday speech it is still widely understood but often feels slightly more literary or deliberate than mutta (but) or silti (nevertheless).

Nuance and style: Kuitenkin often emphasizes the contrast more than mutta and can add a sense of persistence or resilience to the followed clause. It is versatile in both narrative and argumentative writing, helping to link opposing ideas smoothly without fully reversing the original statement.

Examples:

Investointi oli suuri; kuitenkin tuotto-odotukset olivat hyvät. (The investment was large; however, the expected returns were good.)

Hän sanoi olevansa väsynyt; kuitenkin hän jatkoi työntekoa. (He said he was tired; nevertheless, he continued working.)

Sää oli sateinen, mutta retki onnistui kuitenkin. (The weather was rainy, yet the trip succeeded nevertheless.)