käyttöarvolta

Käyttöarvo is a Finnish term that translates to "use value" in English. It refers to the utility or satisfaction that a person derives from consuming a good or service. This concept is central to economic theory, particularly in the work of Karl Marx, who contrasted use value with exchange value. While exchange value relates to the price a commodity can command in the market, use value is about the actual function or benefit the item provides to its owner or user.

For example, the use value of a loaf of bread is its ability to satisfy hunger and provide nourishment. The use value of a hammer is its capacity to drive nails. These values are subjective and vary from person to person and situation to situation. What one person finds highly useful, another might not.

In broader terms, use value can encompass not just material goods but also services. The use value of a haircut is the improved appearance and confidence it provides. The use value of education is the knowledge and skills acquired. Understanding use value helps economists analyze consumer behavior and the demand for goods and services. It highlights that the primary reason people acquire goods is not for their potential to be traded, but for the direct benefits they offer in everyday life.