lauletaan

Lauletaan is a Finnish verb form derived from laulaa, meaning to sing. It is the present passive form used for impersonal statements or descriptions of actions where the performer is not specified. In English, lauletaan is commonly translated as “is sung” or, in a general sense, “one sings.”

In practice, lauletaan appears in a range of contexts, including descriptions of performances, religious and ceremonial settings, and program notes. It conveys that singing occurs without naming who exactly sings. It can also introduce general statements about singing as a tradition, such as that traditional folk songs are sung, hymns are sung, and carols are sung in churches.

Etymology and related forms: Lauletaan forms from laulaa, with the passive voice marker. Related terms include the active form laulaa, the noun laulaminen (singing), and laulu (a song). The form is part of a broader set of Finnish passive constructions used to present information with an unspecified agent.

Notes: Finnish verb forms can be subtle; lauletaan differs from other passive forms in usage and nuance, and in some contexts the active voice may be preferable for clarity. In written Finnish, lauletaan is common in descriptive prose, event announcements, and news reports when the performer is not of interest.