kuljettaja

Kuljettaja is a Finnish noun meaning “driver” or “operator of a vehicle.” It denotes a person who drives or operates a conveyance, such as a car, bus, truck, train, or boat. The word is formed from the verb kuljettaa, “to transport,” with the agent-noun suffix -ja, yielding the role of the person who carries or moves others or goods.

In everyday language, kuljettaja covers all types of drivers and is commonly used in compound forms to specify the vehicle type. Examples include bussikuljettaja (bus driver), taksikuljettaja (taxi driver), and raitiovaunukuljettaja (tram driver). The compound form is a typical way to name occupations in Finnish.

In Finland, driving a vehicle legally requires a valid driving license and compliance with traffic laws. Professional kuljettajat may be subject to additional regulations related to safety, working hours, and vehicle standards, depending on the vehicle type and context. The term is primarily used in Finnish to refer to the person responsible for operating a vehicle, whether as a job title or in everyday speech.

Etymology and related terms: kuljettaja comes from kuljettaa, “to transport,” with the agent suffix -ja. Related terms include kuljetus (transport), kuljetusala (transport sector), and kuljettaminen (carriage or transport operation).