neljännes

Neljännes is a Finnish noun meaning one quarter, i.e., one of four equal parts of a whole. It is used to express fractions (1/4) and to describe portions or shares in everyday language, mathematics, and measurement.

In measurements, neljännes can denote a quarter of a unit: neljännes kilo (0.25 kg), neljännes litraa (0.25 liter). In time, it denotes a three-month period within a calendar year: kalenterivuoden neljännes equals one quarter of the year, typically January–March, April–June, and so on. In business language, quarters are often referred to with the borrowed term kvartal, but neljännes is still understood.

In statistics, the term can appear as a quartile in some contexts, referring to divisions of a data set into four equal parts, for example toinen neljännes (second quartile).

Etymology: the word is formed from neljä “four” plus the suffix -nen, marking a part or portion; related forms include neljäs (the fourth) and neljännesosa (a quarter of something). The concept is parallel to the English quarter.

Examples: Hän otti neljännes kilon jauhelihaa. Kalenterivuoden neljännes koostuu kolmesta kuukaudesta.