kunnioita

Kunnioita is the second-person singular imperative form of the Finnish verb kunnioittaa, meaning to respect or to honour someone or something. The infinitive form is kunnioittaa, and the related noun kunnia means honor or dignity.

Etymology and related forms: Kunnioittaa is derived from kunnia, and is connected to related nouns such as kunnioitus (respect, esteem) and other terms in the same semantic field, including kunniakas (honourable).

Usage: The imperative kunnioita is used to issue a direct instruction or exhortation to show respect. It is common in everyday speech as well as in formal or ceremonial language. Examples: "Kunnioita vanhempiasi." "Kunnioita muiden mielipiteitä." The plural imperative is "kunnioittakaa" (e.g., "Kunnioittakaa opettajianne."). The negative imperative is formed with "älä": "Älä kunnioita ..." to indicate not to show respect toward something.

Notes: In Finnish etiquette and social norms, showing respect is considered a guiding behavior, and kunnioita functions as a straightforward command to act respectfully toward people or institutions. See also kunnia, kunnioitus, kunnioittaminen.