lähenevad

Lähenevat is a Finnish word used to express nearness or imminence, typically relating to time or space. It can function as a finite verb form in the third-person plural present tense of verbs that convey approaching or drawing near, and it can also serve as a present participle adjective meaning “approaching” or “nearing.” The form is built from the root lähene-, derived from the verb lähestyä (to approach) or from related forms that convey coming closer.

In practice, lähenevat is used to describe things that are near in time or space. For example, referring to events that are about to occur: lähenevät tapahtumat. Describing objects that are moving closer, such as trains or milestones: lähenevät junat, lähenevät ajat. The nuance is one of anticipation or imminent proximity, rather than completed action.

Morphology and usage notes:

- As a verb form, lähenevat agrees with a plural subject (they are approaching).

- As an adjective or participle, it can modify a noun in the singular or plural (läheneva tapahtuma, lähenevät tapahtumat).

- In many contexts, other Finnish words such as lähestyä or lähestyvät may be used with similar meaning, but lähenevat emphasizes nearness or imminence.

Related terms include lähestyä (to approach), lähenevä (the singular present participle/adjective), and lähentyä (to come closer). For reference, standard Finnish dictionaries provide formal definitions and usage examples.

See also: lähestyä, lähenevä, lähentyä. References: standard Finnish dictionaries such as Kielitoimiston Sanakirja.