lomaaikana

Lomaaikana is a Finnish term meaning “during the vacation period.” It is used to indicate the time when schools, workplaces, or services are on holiday and when routines or schedules may change.

The word is formed from loma, meaning vacation, and aikana, meaning during or in the course of. As a temporal modifier, lomaaikana functions similarly to other Finnish time expressions and is commonly used in planning, announcements, and descriptive statements about activities and availability during holidays.

Usage and nuance: lomaaikana generally refers to the whole vacation period defined by institutions or the calendar, such as summer or winter breaks. It contrasts with loman aikana, which more often means “during one’s own vacation” or “while on vacation,” focusing on an individual’s personal break. It can also be contrasted with lomakaudella, which denotes the broader vacation season or the general time of holidays rather than a specific interval.

Contexts: the term appears in education, public administration, tourism, and commerce to describe altered schedules, extended opening hours, reduced services, or intensified travel activity during holidays. It is a neutral, formal expression suitable for notices, guides, and informational texts.

See also: loma, loman aikana, lomakausi, lomakaudella.