käpertää

Käpertää is a Finnish verb that primarily translates to "to curl up" or "to snuggle." It describes the action of a person or animal tucking themselves into a compact position, often for warmth, comfort, or sleep. The word evokes a sense of coziness and security.

The verb can be used in various contexts. For instance, a child might käpertää into their mother's arms, seeking comfort. Similarly, a cat might käpertää into a sunbeam to nap. The physical posture involved in käpertää typically involves bending the limbs towards the body and drawing the torso in.

Beyond its literal meaning, käpertää can also be used metaphorically. It can suggest a withdrawal from the world or a retreat into oneself, perhaps due to sadness or exhaustion. In this sense, it implies a passive and self-protective response to external circumstances. The emotional nuance of the word is generally one of gentle vulnerability.