lukumuotoon

Lukumuotoon is a Finnish linguistic and editorial term describing the expression of a number in numeric form using digits, as opposed to its spelled-out word form. The concept is used in grammar and style guides to indicate when digits should be used, for example in tables, data entries, numerical identifiers, and technical writing, while the word form is preferred in prose intended for readability or literary tone.

Etymology: The compound comes from luku meaning “number” and muotoon meaning “into form,” and literally means to form into a numerical form. It is commonly contrasted with sanamuotoon, the form achieved by spelling numbers as words.

Usage: In educational materials, learners are taught to use lukumuotoon in contexts requiring precision or machine readability. In professional writing and data work, numbers such as years, quantities, measurements, or prices are typically written in digits. In Finnish typography, some style guides permit or require word form for small numbers at the start of a sentence or for stylistic reasons, but many guidelines favor digits in technical contexts.

Examples: 42 is written in lukumuotoon; the corresponding sanamuotoon is neljäkymmentäkaksi. In forms or datasets, you would enter 42 rather than the word “forty-two.”

See also: Numerals, Finnish orthography, Style guides, Data formatting.